THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment confirmed that more than 19,000 minors were rescued from illegal child labor in Davao region from 2018 to 2022.

DOLE-11 Regional Director Pensoy said the rescued 19,455 children translates to 77.56 percent accomplishment rate on child labor issues in the past few years.

As of March 2023, more than 90 percent of children or a total of 6,142, in workplaces have already left their jobs.

“Predominantly, child labor in Davao Region prevails in farming, fishing, mining, and domestic works,” Pensoy said.

Davao del Norte has the highest number of profiled child workers from 2018 to 2022 —6,785.

“Child labor is an alarming issue that deprives children of their right to education, health, and safe childhood. To eradicate this problem, DOLE-11 has undertaken a comprehensive strategy on rescuing children from exploitative labor and providing them with opportunities for a brighter future,” Pensoy said.

Under the guidelines set by DOLE, children who have been removed from the labor force would get long-term support, including monitoring and payments for their parents’ subsistence.