DOLE Bulacan holds advocacy against child trafficking campaign

City of Malolos, Bulacan (15 December) — The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLEs) 77th Founding Anniversary this month was observed here at SM City Marilao with an Advocacy and Information Campaign Against Child Trafficking-cum-Gift Giving for Children at Risk and Victims of Child Trafficking last December 13, 2010.

This was in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bulacan, Provincial Committee on Child Labor (PCCL) of Bulacan, Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT), Industrial Peace Advocates of Bulacan, Inc. (IPABI), ABS-CBN, and SM Marilao.

The event was also in commemoration of the National Day Against Child Trafficking.

The said event with its theme “Justice and Protection for Victims of Child Trafficking” was forged to increase the awareness of children and stakeholders on the rights of children and Republic Act (R.A.) 9208 or better known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003,” is intended to reach more children, stakeholders, and communities on their important role against child and human trafficking and be committed to put a stop to child trafficking. Moreover, it aims to strengthen the existing mechanisms and if possible, create more structures that will protect children against abuse and exploitation, and lastly, provide children basic services on education and “pangkabuhayan” packages during this season of giving.

DOLE RO3 Regional Director Ernesto C. Bihis, along with Ms. Leilani Reynoso, Bulacan Field Office head, took lead in the said event wherein more than 200 children participants from the different cities and municipalities of Bulacan were provided educational and “pangkabuhayan” bags and packages during the gift giving segment on the said event.

Stakeholders composing the PCCL, National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) Managers, Barangay Training and Employment Coordinators, Employers, and Community Workers were present in the said event.

Ms. Reynoso on the other hand, provided a lecture and insights on RA 9208 to the attendees, that is, information on what the law is all about, the rights of children and the likes, as well as the child trafficking situationer all over the province.

This was followed by the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation to Partner-Agencies who have solidly contributed to the campaign in protecting children from working in hazardous working conditions. All partner agencies and stakeholders to the Child Labor Program have once again renewed their commitment to eradicate child trafficking and child labor.

DOLE is dead serious in its commitment in putting a stop to human and child trafficking of any kind lurking within the region. (DOLE 3 thru PIA 3)