Child Labor

Republic of the Philippines
COTABATO STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Social Work
Let’s Read
Child Labor
Child labor refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives
them of their childhood, potential, dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental
development. It is work that is detrimental to children's physical or mental health,
interferes with their schooling, or requires them to undertake work that is
inappropriate for their age or developmental stage.
Child labor remains a significant issue in the Philippines despite efforts to

combat it. According to research conducted by the International Labour Organization
(ILO), "the prevalence of child labor in the Philippines remains high, with an
estimated 2.1 million child laborers aged 5-17 years old" (ILO, 2021).
The types of child labor in the Philippines vary widely, including children
working in agriculture, mining, domestic service, and informal sectors. Many children
are engaged in hazardous work that is detrimental to their health and development,
and often interferes with their education.
Theoretical Bases of Child Labor in the Philippines
The theoretical bases of child labor in the Philippines can be understood

through several lenses that highlight the complex socio-economic, cultural, and
policy dimensions contributing to its prevalence.
Poverty and Household Economics

One of the primary theoretical bases is poverty. Economic hardship pushes
families, especially in rural and marginalized urban areas, to rely on children for
additional income. Poverty leads parents to prioritize immediate economic needs
over their children's education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty (Orbeta &
Cabaero-Angeles, 2009).
Structural Factors and Lack of Opportunities

Structural factors such as inadequate access to quality education and
employment opportunities for adults contribute significantly. In regions where
educational infrastructure is lacking or of poor quality, children may be compelled to
work to support their families or themselves (ILO, 2021).
Cultural and Social Norms

Cultural norms and societal attitudes also play a role. In some communities,
children working alongside their families is considered normal and necessary for
survival. This cultural acceptance can reinforce the practice of child labor (Biggeri &
Mehrotra, 2011).
Policy and Enforcement Gaps

Weak implementation of laws and regulations meant to protect children from
labor exploitation is another crucial factor. Despite legal frameworks like Republic Act
No. 9231 (Anti-Child Labor Law), enforcement remains uneven and insufficient,
allowing child labor to persist (Orbeta & Cabaero-Angeles, 2009).
Migration and Vulnerability

Internal and international migration of families seeking better opportunities
can exacerbate vulnerabilities to child labor. Children from migrant families often face
higher risks of exploitation due to their transient status and limited access to social
services (ILO, 2021).
Let’s Continue Reading

Social Welfare Programs and Services in the Philippines for Child Labor
In the Philippines, several social welfare programs and services are in place
to address the issue of child labor and support affected children and their families.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Programs

● Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): This conditional cash transfer
program aims to alleviate poverty by providing cash grants to poor
households, conditional on compliance with health and education conditions
for children.
● Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP): SLP provides livelihood support to
poor families, empowering parents to earn a sustainable income and reduce
their reliance on child labor.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Programs

● Child Labor-Free Barangays (CLFB): DOLE's CLFB program aims to
eliminate child labor in selected barangays (local communities) through
education, livelihood support, and community mobilization.
● Child Labor Monitoring and Reporting System (CLMRS): This system
monitors and reports incidents of child labor, enabling DOLE to intervene and
provide appropriate support.
Department of Education (DepEd) Programs

● Alternative Learning System (ALS): ALS provides non-formal education
opportunities to out-of-school children and youth, including those engaged in
child labor, to complete basic education.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations

(CSOs)
Various NGOs and CSOs collaborate with government agencies to implement
programs that provide direct services to child laborers and their families. These
programs include educational support, skills training, and advocacy for children's
rights.
International Support and Collaboration

The Philippines receives support from international organizations such as the
International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, which provide technical
assistance, funding, and expertise to strengthen child labor policies and programs.

Child Labor

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Child Labor

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Child Labor

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Republic of the Philippines

COTABATO STATE UNIVERSITY

Child labor remains a significant issue in the Philippines despite efforts to

Theoretical Bases of Child Labor in the Philippines

The theoretical bases of child labor in the Philippines can be understood

Poverty and Household Economics

Structural Factors and Lack of Opportunities

Cultural and Social Norms

Policy and Enforcement Gaps

Migration and Vulnerability

Let’s Continue Reading

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Programs

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Programs

Department of Education (DepEd) Programs

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations

International Support and Collaboration

You might also like