20/06/2026
NEWS RELEASE | ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ: ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง, ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐
CARAGA REGION โ One hundred profiled child laborers from Surigao del Sur experienced a day of hope, learning, and joy as the province of Surigao del Sur, Caraga Region, hosted the national launch of Laya At Laro Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor and Prevention and Elimination cm Project Angel Tree, in celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) 2026 on June 18 in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Anchored on the vision of Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to address the root causes of child labor, the national celebration underscored the importance of converging government resources and services to ensure that every child enjoys their fundamental rights to education, protection, development, and participation.
Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and carried out by DOLE Caraga through its Surigao del Sur Field Office, the event highlighted a whole-of-government approach to child labor prevention and elimination through the delivery of integrated services and interventions to profiled child laborers and their families.
Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes of the Workersโ Welfare and Protection Cluster, who served as the guest of honor, emphasized in her message the importance of education and perseverance among the children.
โSa ating mga kabataan, lagi po sana ninyong tatandaan: naniniwala ang DOLE at ang buong pamahalaan sa inyong kakayahan. Magsikap po kayong mag-aral nang mabuti at gamitin ang bawat pagkakataong ibinibigay sa inyo upang makamit ninyo ang higit na mas magandang bukas,โ ASec Reyes said.
Echoing ASec. Reyesโ message, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Leilani M. Reynoso encouraged the children to continue pursuing their studies and strive to achieve their dreams despite challenges.
Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and DOLE Caraga Regional Director Jason P. Balais also graced the national celebration.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Batang Malaya activity, which allowed child laborers to simply be children again through the โKids Townโ service caravan and traditional Laro ng Lahi games. The children participated in interactive activities such as the Dream Wall, recreational games, and learning sessions designed to inspire and empower them. Essential goods, nutritional packs, and healthcare assistance were also provided through the convergence of agencies under the Regional Council Against Child Labor and other partner stakeholders.
The children received school supplies, hygiene kits, and other support packages from government agencies, local government units, private sector partners, and civil society organizations. Meanwhile, their parents and guardians benefited from information sessions and access to various government services.
The program focused on 100 profiled child laborers aged 11 to 17 and their families from Hinatuan. Beneficiaries were identified through DOLEโs Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), which continues to monitor and assist vulnerable children across the region. Based on assessments conducted by DOLE, three major factors contribute to child labor among the beneficiaries: household financial distress, educational expenses, and domestic abandonment, particularly among children left under the care of grandparents.
To help address household financial challenges, 100 parents and guardians received assistance through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program. Beneficiaries were provided wages equivalent to 10 days of employment, amounting to a total of โฑ513,600.
Parents and guardians also received Certificates of Entitlement under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), allowing them to access livelihood assistance intended to augment household income and support the gradual withdrawal of children from labor.
As part of the advocacy campaign, participants attended briefings on the Philippine Program Against Child Labor, presentations of good practices in child labor prevention, and a pledge-signing activity supporting the global campaign.
The activity was attended by various partner government agencies and partner stakeholders including the representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, the Congressional Office, the Local Government Unit of Hinatuan, partner agencies, and other stakeholders also joined the celebration.
This yearโs celebration carried the theme, โIkaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya,โ emphasizing collective action in ensuring that every child is free from labor and empowered to learn, play, and pursue their dreams. # # #
