Yahya Ibrahim Yusop

As the world marks World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) on June 12, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate child labor in the Philippines.


DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, on June 11, emphasized the government’s support for eradicating child labor and addressing its impact on child development.

“We stand united with the whole government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to completely eradicate child labor. Child labor is a menace that robs children of their freedom, innocence, and fundamental rights. It also hinders the development of children to achieve their full potential,” he said.

He called on all sectors to work hand-in-hand in addressing the issue.

“We need to redouble our efforts through a whole-of-society approach to eliminate this concern. This includes strengthening our legal frameworks, providing comprehensive social welfare and development interventions, and ensuring that all families will be able to access decent work and livelihood,” he added.

With this year’s global theme, “Progress is clear, but there's more to do: let’s speed up efforts,” reflects both the gains achieved and the urgency to intensify actions toward meeting global targets on child labor.

In its observance in the country, the National Council Against Child Labor (NCACL) adopted the theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Mag-aaral ang Bata, Hindi Manggagawa (Under the New Philippine: Children will Study, Not Toil)!”, aiming to uphold the rights to education along the eradication of child labor in the country.

Through the NCACL, the DSWD implements the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) program to provide quality community-based support for child laborers and their families.

From 2021 to 2024, the SHIELD program assisted 12,193 child laborers, with 3,887 of them successfully removed from exploitative labor and reintegrated into their families and communities

The DSWD also provides case management, educational assistance, and financial support through programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and through referrals to other government agencies.

Last December, a lawmaker cited educational grants under 4Ps as one factor contributing to the decline in child labor cases.