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Govt eyes ‘child labor-free zones’

Announces crackdown on putting minors to work
Govt eyes ‘child labor-free zones’
Published: May 24, 2012 09:29 AM GMT
Updated: May 24, 2012 09:30 AM GMT

The Department of Labor and Employment yesterday announced it will crack down on villages where minors are put to work and transform them into "child labor-free zones." Labor chief Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said her office has already mapped out a plan to combat child labor in 76 villages across the country. The “child labor-free village” campaign was launched at the Occupational Health and Safety Center in Quezon City, in Manila yesterday. The labor department found most child workers are employed in various industries including mining, farming, deep-sea fishing and pyrotechnics production. “The regional offices are already coordinating with local government units as well as community leaders and [village] captains to help end child labor and the illegal recruitment of minors,” Baldoz said in a statement. She said the anti-child labor program will include rigorous enforcement of child labor laws, knowledge sharing and alternative employment for adult bread winners in child workers’ families. The launch of the program was highlighted by a symbolic exchange of “work implements or tools” by child laborers in exchange for educational supplies. The International Labor Organization estimates there are 2.4 million child workers in the Philippines. Related stories Children labor in Philippine mines

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