DOLE-7 chief off to China for anti-child labor confab

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Labor and Employment-7 regional director Elias Cayanong is set to speak on the subject of labor monitoring and inspection initiative in Hungshu, China for the Child Labor Convention in support of the International Labor Organization’s call for the elimination of worst forms of child labor.

During the convention, he will be sharing the Philippines’ interesting experience in the time-bound program of the International Program for the Elimination of Child Labor. 

  The ILO-IPECL time-bound program is intended to reach children in the six target groups of worst forms of child labor: commercial sexual trade, deep sea fishing, pyrotechnics, mining and quarrying, domestic works, and footwear sectors.

The country’s long-standing experience in the IPECL since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the government in 1994 evolved from a “core” program (from 1997 to 2002) into a time-bound program (from 2002 to date).

An IPECL sub-regional program funded by the United States Department of Labor primarily focuses on monitoring activities covering the aforesaid sectors.

All programs seek to provide an integrated set of initiatives such as social services and protection, including employment and income support alternatives, for working children and their families.

Other IPECL initiatives in the country include children in drug trafficking and child soldiers.

 “China is at a much earlier stage of discussion on child labor issues than the Philippines. Our experience would look at approaches that China could learn from,” Cayanong said.

“It is a relevant presentation useful to look at the process. It is best to learn more about the experience and how to establish the systematic approach and mechanism in China,” he added.

Results and lessons learned from the DOLE-Central Visayas’ initiatives may be replicated by the Chinese government in its anti-child labor advocacy. — Johanna T. Natavio/MEEV  (THE FREEMAN)