THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) renewed its call for stronger collective action to protect Filipino children from child labor as the country observed World Day Against Child Labor on Friday.
DSWD Operations Group Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez said the annual observance serves as a reminder that children should be given opportunities to learn, grow and enjoy their childhood free from the burden of work.
Romualdez said this year’s national theme, “Red Card to Child Labor: Fair play for children, decent work for adults,” emphasizes that protecting children from exploitation requires the participation of all sectors of society.
As co-chairman of the National Council Against Child Labor, the DSWD implements the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood and Other Developmental Interventions (Shield) program to assist child laborers and their families.
Shield delivers community-based services that include case management, educational assistance, livelihood support and referrals to appropriate government agencies.
Through Shield, “we continue to support vulnerable children and their families, helping address the conditions that place children at risk,” Romualdez said.
The DSWD reported that from 2021 to 2025, Shield assisted 14,112 child laborers nationwide, with 4,547 already assessed to have been freed from all forms of child labor.