TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (May 14, 2023) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recorded a consistent decrease in the number of profiled child laborers in Tarlac for several years.
DOLE Tarlac Field Office head Aurita Laxamana said that based on statistics, the department saw a notable decline in the number of individuals engaged in child labor through the years.
“We are glad to report that this year, there are only 167 profiled child laborers in Tarlac, and they have already been referred to other agencies for other assistance,” she said.
In its 2023 report, the agency noted a total of 4,013 child laborers in 2019, followed by 4,507 in 2021 and 2,040 in 2022.
Parents of the 167 profiled child laborers were given 23 livelihood projects to create a sustainable source of income for their families. Of the total, 12 were endorsed to DOLE’s partner Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for possible training and other livelihood assistance.
On the other hand, livelihood projects initiated by DOLE include the provision of raw materials such as sewing machines, sewing kits, and variety store packages, among others.
The United States Department of Labor, in its annual report on Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, regularly cites the Philippines as having achieved ‘significant advancement’ in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.
