The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD 10) is intensifying its Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Program to combat child labor in Northern Mindanao. The region continues to grapple with high rates of child labor, with children as young as five years old engaged in hazardous and exploitative work.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 2021 report on the Working Children Situation, Northern Mindanao recorded the highest portion of working children at 12.5%, with the agriculture sector accounting for the highest incidence of child labor.
SHIELD Program: Extending Assistance to Child Laborers
The SHIELD Program provides financial or educational assistance worth Php 5,000.00 to identified child laborers and their families, as endorsed by their respective local government units (LGUs). DSWD 10 utilizes the Profiling and Reporting Tool to validate these cases and assess the worst forms of child labor that children may be engaged in. Based on their specific needs, child laborers are referred to partner agencies and stakeholders for further intervention.
Additionally, the program offers capacity-building activities such as livelihood and skills training, conducted in collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders.
Each year, the SHIELD Program targets 100 child laborers from two LGUs with the highest reported incidence of child labor, as identified in reports from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 10. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is then signed between DSWD 10 and the targeted LGUs to facilitate the replication of the program.
To ensure effective monitoring, LGUs are provided with the Child Labor Local Registry, a database system that serves as a tracking tool for referral and convergence of support services.
Since the program’s establishment, six municipalities and cities have successfully replicated it. DSWD 10 continues to monitor their implementation and requires monthly reports from these LGUs.
Strengthening Community-Based Efforts
Another key component of SHIELD is the establishment of Barangay Help Desks on Child Labor in all replicating LGUs. This 2025, DSWD 10 aims to visit all LGUs in the region to assist in setting up these help desks, reinforcing the community’s role in addressing child labor.
Currently, DSWD 10 is preparing for the 2025 program implementation and remains committed to delivering effective social services and strengthening partnerships to address the unique needs of children affected by labor exploitation.
“Ang kabataan dili angay pabug-atan sa panginabuhi sa pamilya. Ang ilang katungod mao ang pag-eskwela, pagdula, ug pagdamgo alang sa maayong kaugmaon.” – Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen.
(Children should not be burdened with providing for their families. Their right is to study, play, and dream for a better future.)
Ensuring Sustainable Impact
DOLE 10 will conduct regular monitoring sessions with SHIELD beneficiaries to assess whether they have successfully exited the child labor situation.
In addition to the SHIELD program, DSWD also implements the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which plays a vital role in combating child labor by ensuring that beneficiaries regularly attend school through continuous monitoring of their attendance.
If you suspect a case of child labor, report it immediately to your local Barangay, City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, DOLE, or DSWD Field Office 10 at Hotline: 0954 355 2490.
Let’s take action against child labor! Every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood. ###