by Alma L.
Tingcang
PAGADIAN
CITY, July 5 - - -Recognizing that the vital task of eliminating child labor and
exploitation in the countryside cannot be done single-handedly, the Department
of Labor Employment (DOLE) conceptualized a partnership among national government
agencies and the private sector to include
TVI Resource Development (TVIRD) and the Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation Inc. (PZCCIFI) .
Aptly
called “Project Tambayayong,” it gathered together recently various agencies of
the government namely: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), PhilHealth, Social Security
System (SSS), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Provincial
Social Welfare and Development office (PSWDO), Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Pag-ibig Fund with private partners, TVIRD and PZCCIFI.
DOLE
Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said the convergence was an off-shoot
of their recent visit to the area upon receipt of Board Resolution 03-03-2012 of the PCZCCIFI
requesting DOLE and DSWD 9 to investigate and immediately effect necessary
actions on the issue of child labor and unsafe working conditions in Bayog.
“DOLE
Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz has directed DSWD regional offices to identify
and transform pre-identified barangays with high incidence of child labor to be
child labor-free barangays. This is a very tall order coming from our secretary
and you know what is happening in the countryside, child labor and child
exploitation is a real scenario in Bayog,” Bonbon said.
Meanwhile,
DTI Provincial Director Ma. Socorro M. Atay asked to be more apprised of the
current situation so that they could identify the interventions her office could extend to address the
prevailing situation in the area.
A
documentary on illegal mining and child labor activities in the aforementioned municipality
was presented after which, each agency signified their commitment to be actively
involved in the goal of eliminating child labor and illegal recruitment of
minors in Barangay Balabag and Depore in Bayog.
Program
interventions were identified by partner agencies with the end in view of eradicating
child labor which exposes children to hazardous working conditions and exposure
to toxic chemicals. Everyone pledged their support to the program, mutual in
the belief that children should be accorded every right and privilege to enjoy
a healthy environment and above all, children should be protected from any
activity that takes advantage of them or
could harm their welfare and development. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)