Negros oriental: Due to aggressive and sustained efforts to combat worse forms of child labor, the number of young people working in hazardous environments in Negros Oriental has declined, authorities said on Tuesday. Sandra Delfin, senior labor and employment officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental, indicated that the decline was due to government and private interventions, heightened awareness, and education of child laborers and their parents.
According to Philippines News Agency, Delfin noted, "Our aggressive approach now is to monitor profiled child laborers from last year, locating them and referring them to other agencies." She highlighted a significant reduction in child labor due to advocacy efforts in collaboration with local government units (LGUs). Records from the DOLE-Negros Oriental Field Office revealed that in 2025, the number of profiled child laborers included 1,481 females and 1,994 males, totaling 3,475. Most of these individuals were from agriculture-centric areas like Bindoy, Manjuyod, Mabinay, Siaton, and Sta. Catalina.
For this year, monitoring has been concentrated on areas such as La Libertad and Tayasan since February, resulting in 1,994 individuals being profiled, including 751 males and 543 females. The agency's follow-up on last year's profiled child laborers showed that 242 had aged out, 2,982 voluntarily withdrew, and approximately 200 child laborers remain. Delfin attributed this withdrawal to increased advocacies, awareness, and ongoing education about child labor, alongside livelihood support from DOLE and other agencies.
Dahlia Cabristante, representing the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), detailed government programs aimed at eradicating the worst forms of child labor. These initiatives include training child development teachers and workers to enhance parental awareness and responsibility. The province has also earmarked funds for organizing youth activities and providing skills training to help parents earn while ensuring their children continue their studies.
In celebration of World Day Against Child Labor, DOLE in Negros Oriental plans to host its Program Angel Tree in Manjuyod town on Thursday. Delfin stated that 150 profiled child laborers and 50 parents will benefit from activities including the distribution of food, hygiene kits, protective gear like boots and raincoats, and participation in Batang Pinoy games. This effort is in partnership with the PSWDO, the Manjuyod LGU, and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for sustained awareness despite reductions in child labor issues.
