SM joins ILO’s campaign against child labor

MANILA, Philippines – SM Supermalls has recently partnered with the International Labor Organization (ILO) for “Lakas Sipa Para Sa Batang Malaya” – a football clinic for former victims of child labor.

“(The aim of) Red Card to Child Labor is to work with communities to assure that kids have the opportunity to play. And by partnering with such groups like SM Supermalls, we are able to basically provide these kids a child labor free environment,” says ILO Philippines director Lawrence James Johnson.

He highlights the need to raise awareness in the community and instill in children their right to play and education. “To ensure that this would be lasting, we need to work with the community and social partners to ensure that they fully understand the cause and the steps that need to be taken to achieve our vision,” he adds.

To complement ILO’s battle against child labor, SM highlights the importance of providing educational opportunities for children. With that consideration, they donated school shoes and socks to encourage the participants to stay in school. “It is also part of our partnership with ILO that kids like their age should be in school and not working,” says Royce Cabunag, program director for SM Cares children’s committee.

SM aims to act as a catalyst towards positive change in the nation. Aside from ensuring sustainable, social and environment-conscious business operations, it spearheads programs that contribute to development in the community, economy and environment. –(The Philippine Star)