2025-06-12 to 2025-06-14

Campaign vs Child Labor — Pre?commemoration of World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL)

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Government is intensifying efforts to address child labor in the region, with Deputy Minister Tommy Nawa of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights to dignity, education, and safety. “Everyone must be given hope, and we still have a lot to do on top of everything we have already accomplished,” Nawa said during the June 4 pre-commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) in Marawi City. The activity, led by MOLE’s Bureau of Employment Promotion and Welfare (BEPW), is part of an ongoing campaign to prevent child labor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and to promote the well-being of children. BEPW Director Sara Jane Sinsuat emphasized the role of the “Batang Malaya” campaign in discouraging hazardous work for minors. “Let us continue to fight child labor by not engaging in any work like selling products in the market, driving the tricycle, or any job in the nature of a common carrier, or carrying heavy loads that may harm your physical health,” Sinsuat said. In coordination with local government units, MOLE will hold dialogues, educational sessions, and awareness campaigns across BARMM to strengthen public involvement in the anti-child labor effort. Observed globally on June 12, WDACL highlights international efforts to eliminate child labor. This year’s theme is, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!” The campaign aligns with the 12th priority agenda of the Bangsamoro Government, focused on the development of children in the region. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)