Batang Malaya Region VI

16/07/2026

RCACL Strengthens Inter-Agency Collaboration to Eliminate Child Labor in Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY, July 15, 2026 – The Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL) reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating child labor in Western Visayas during its 2nd Semester Meeting held on July 15, 2026, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel. The meeting brought together member agencies to review ongoing initiatives, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and adopt key strategies to further protect children from the worst forms of child labor.

The meeting was presided over by Atty. Jorge S. Ferraris II, OIC-Head of the Technical Support Services Division, on behalf of the Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VI, who also serves as Chair of the RCACL.

Council members reviewed the First Semester 2026 accomplishments under the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) and the SHIELD Program, highlighting the sustained implementation of interventions and collaborative initiatives aimed at preventing and eliminating child labor across the region.

To further strengthen the regional response, the Council approved Resolution No. 01, Series of 2026, expanding the RCACL membership to include additional government agencies and stakeholders pursuant to Executive Order No. 92, thereby promoting broader collaboration in addressing child labor issues.

The Council also discussed Proposed Resolution No. 02, which seeks to establish the Regional Sagip Batang Manggagawa–Quick Action Team (SBM-QAT) Region VI. Once institutionalized, the team will provide a harmonized and coordinated inter-agency mechanism for the prevention, rescue, protection, referral, rehabilitation, and monitoring of child laborers and children at risk of child labor.

During the meeting, member agencies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting child laborers, children at risk of child labor, and their families through the following services:

- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VI – Provision of birth and marriage certificates and assistance with National ID registration.
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI – Skills development and entrepreneurship training for parents to help improve household livelihood opportunities.
- Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region VI – Digital literacy training for children and their parents.
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI – Continued support in profiling, monitoring, and coordinating local government initiatives to address child labor.

The Council likewise agreed to conduct a Strategic Planning Workshop to identify implementation gaps, strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate existing child labor interventions, and formulate strategic actions to further enhance the region's child labor prevention and elimination efforts.

08/07/2026

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃: 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
To uphold the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) commitment to eliminating child labor in the country, Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino assured the public that the Department remains vigilant in protecting children involved in content creation, particularly those below 15 years old, amid growing concerns over their possible exploitation on digital platforms.
𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃: 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

To uphold the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) commitment to eliminating child labor in the country, Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino assured the public that the Department remains vigilant in protecting children involved in content creation, particularly those below 15 years old, amid growing concerns over their possible exploitation on digital platforms.

𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

01/07/2026

🇵🇭🏃‍♀️ TAKBO KABATAAN, SIGAW AY KALAYAAN! 🏃‍♂️🇵🇭

In celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day and the World Day Against Child Labor, the DOLE Guimaras Field Office, in partnership with the Local Government of Buenavista, successfully conducted "Takbo Kabataan, Sigaw ay Kalayaan!" the 6th Kalayaan Fun Run on June 12, 2026.

The event gathered 617 participants (298 male and 319 female), bringing together youth, government agencies, private sector partners, educational institutions, and community stakeholders in a united call to uphold children's rights and eliminate child labor.

The activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), DOLE, national government agencies (PNP, BFP, DSWD, DAR, PhilHealth, PSA, TESDA, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Army Reservists), non-government organizations, private establishments, and schools.

As we celebrate the freedom of our nation, let us also champion the freedom of every Filipino child the freedom to learn, grow, dream, and enjoy a childhood free from labor.

Takbo Kabataan, Sigaw ay Kalayaan! Together, let us continue running toward a brighter future where every child is protected, empowered, and given every opportunity to succeed.

30/06/2026

🟥 We hold the RED CARD against Child Labor!

In celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor, the DOLE Region VI family raises the RED CARD to reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting children's rights and ensuring they grow up in safe, nurturing environments where they can learn, play, and thrive.

Together, let us champion a future where every child is free from labor and empowered to reach their full potential.

Raise the RED CARD. End Child Labor.

24/06/2026

DOLE RO VI, Partners Strengthen Child Rights Advocacy Through Information and Services Caravan and Observance of World Day Against Child Labor

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VI (DOLE RO VI) joined the nationwide observance of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) 2026, mobilizing communities and stakeholders across Western Visayas in a united call to protect children from labor exploitation and promote their rights to education, health, and a safe childhood.

This year's observance carries the global theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” and the national theme, “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya.”

As part of the observance, DOLE RO VI strengthened its advocacy efforts through the conduct of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) Information and Services Caravan at the grassroots level. Through a series of advocacy and community-based activities, the regional office reinforced its commitment to protecting children from labor exploitation and promoting their rights to education, health, and a safe and nurturing environment.

In Passi City, Iloilo, the DOLE RO VI–Iloilo Field Office conducted the CLPEP Information and Services Caravan in Barangay Punong on June 11, 2026, bringing together barangay captains from communities identified with the highest number of child laborers and children at risk.

A highlight of the activity was the signing of a pledge of commitment by representatives from the Province of Iloilo, the Local Government Unit of Passi City, various barangay officials, Chameleon Association, Inc., Robinsons Iloilo, and other stakeholders, signifying their support for initiatives aimed at preventing and eliminating child labor within their respective communities.

The activity also provided orientations to 55 child laborers, 55 parents of child laborers, and barangay officials on child labor prevention and the factors contributing to child labor, including early pregnancy. Discussions on oral health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development's “Pangarap Ko, Kinabukasan Ko: Wakasan ang Child Labor” program were likewise conducted. Representatives from PhilHealth discussed the YAKAP Program to promote the overall well-being of children and their families.

As part of the observance, various services were extended to child laborers and their families, including medical and dental services, haircut services, and the distribution of assistance through Project Angel Tree. Beneficiaries received school bags with school supplies, rice, and food packs.

Consistent with the advocacy of Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, DOLE RO VI continues to advance programs and partnerships that promote child welfare, social protection, and child labor-free communities. These initiatives support the Marcos Administration's efforts to strengthen child protection measures and ensure that children are guided toward education, safety, and proper development rather than hazardous work.

DOLE RO VI Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized that protecting children requires sustained collaboration among government agencies, local communities, families, and stakeholders to ensure that every child enjoys opportunities for education, development, and a future free from exploitation.

The observance underscores the Department's continuing commitment to implementing the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) and advancing collaborative efforts that address the root causes of child labor while promoting the welfare, education, and development of Filipino children.

12/06/2026

🌟 World Day Against Child Labor- Project Angel Tree

IKAW, AKO, TAYO: Sama-samang pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya

"Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults" ⚽👧👦

📅 June 12, 2026
📍 Sigma Civic Center

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VI – Capiz Field Office, headed by Atty. Ma. Ailyne P. Valaquio Pueblo, successfully conducted the Project Angel Tree a key Component of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) in the Municipality of Sigma, Capiz.

25 Children and their families were also provided with various gifts and services, such as:
* Tabo and Timba
* Medical check-up
* School supplies
* Spaghetti/ Carbonara Packs
* Dental kits
* Del monte Juice
*Umbrella
*Snacks

This meaningful initiative was made possible through the strong partnership of:
🤝 LGU-Sigma / PESO Sigma
🤝 Rural Health Unit of Sigma
🤝 Brgy. Dayhagon, Sigma, Capiz

Let us remember that every child deserves a life filled with joy, safety, education, and opportunities. With unity, awareness, and action, we can build brighter futures—one child, one family, one community at a time.

❤️💙
🍭

12/06/2026

The message of Secretary Francis Tolentino serves as a strong reminder that protecting children from labor exploitation is a shared responsibility. As we observe the World Day Against Child Labor 2026, let us renew our commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of every Filipino child and ensure that they enjoy a safe, healthy, and productive childhood through education, not labor.
Red Card to Child Labor! Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya PH

08/06/2026

GAD–MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere) Region VI and the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) jointly conduct the M.O.V.E as One Fun Run, bringing together government agencies, private partners, and advocates in support of child protection, decent work, and violence-free communities.

Aligned with the observance of the World Day Against Child Labor and the DOLE Trabaho Agad Program (Job Fairs), the activity highlighted the collective commitment of stakeholders under the Red Card Campaign Against Child Labor.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the members of the Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL) and partner agencies for their invaluable support and participation:

• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Public Attorney's Office (PAO)
• Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
• Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
• Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)
• Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
• Department of Agriculture (DA)
• Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
• Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
• National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)
• Department of Health (DOH)
• National Housing Authority (NHA)
• National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB)
• Office of the Congressional Representative, Iloilo 4th District
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
• Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund)
• Bureau of the Treasury (BTr)
• Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK)

Special thanks to our event partners:

• Fabrik
• Atria Park District
• Team Pabalhas
• Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

As we commemorate the nation's freedom and progress, may we continue to champion the rights and welfare of every Filipino child and work together toward a future free from child labor, exploitation, abuse, and violence.

MOVE as One: Red Card to Child Labor, Red Card to Violence. ❤️🟥