LGUs urged: Resolve child labor

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Monday called on local government units (LGUs) to formulate local legislations that will address child labor and integrate anti-child labor initiatives in their local development plans and programs.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo reminded local chief executives of Republic Act 9231, seeking “to provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, and discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their development including child labor and its worst form; and provide sanctions for their commission and carry out a program for prevention and deference of and crisis intervention in situations of child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.”

For 2011-2012, it is the goal of the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) to reduce the incidence of child labor in the country. This is why the NCLC, together with DILG, is implementing the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL) in LGUs.

“In support of the PPACL, all LCEs and local sanggunian shall ensure that programs, projects, and activities that will eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor (WFCL) are included in their respective local development plans (LDC) and formulate local legislations or laws to address child labor concerns,” said Robredo.

“They are encouraged to tap their respective local councils for the protection of children (LCPC) to lead in the implementation of all programs addressing problems and issues on child labor,” he added.

The DILG Chief warned non-compliant LCEs that they will face disciplinary action should they fail to implement the provisions of the law. “Unlawful refusal to implement the provisions of the law such as R.A. 9231 may constitute dereliction of duty and may give rise to administrative liability,” he stressed. –CZARINA NICOLE O. ONG, Manila Bulletin