An estimated 200 participants from 20 partner agencies gathered Wednesday for a “fun walk” and advocacy event to mark the regional observance of World Day Against Child Labor, a day ahead of the global schedule.
The Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) moved the event to June 11 to accommodate upcoming Independence Day festivities. The early kickoff aimed to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of the region’s 4,800 profiled child laborers.
Led by DOLE-CAR regional director Imelda Romanillos, the crowd included representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and local civic organizations like the Eagles and Rotary clubs.
Participants raised red cards during the event, a global International Labor Organization symbol used to condemn child labor as a rights violation, shifting the focus from grim statistics to active advocacy and the “Threads of Unity” activity, where attendees wove together strands of thread to symbolize how collective commitments build a protective network for the youth.
Romanillos emphasized that the government’s strategy extends beyond removing children from the workforce, focusing instead on providing holistic support to entire families.
“Through accessible technical education, we help create pathways where young people can build their future through learning, not labor that takes away their childhood,” Romanillos said. Sean Kimrhed Lardizabal | UC Intern
