DAVAO CITY 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte was alarmed by reports that nearly one million children are working or considered as child laborers nationwide.

Duterte said that the occurrence of child labor has significantly grown worldwide, including in the Philippines.

“It is distressing to witness this trend. Children should attend schools to acquire knowledge rather than being forced to work to earn a living,” he said.

He added that everyone can contribute to secure a better future for children who are trapped in hazardous working conditions.

Duterte cited laws that can help abolish child labor such as the Anti-Child Labor Law, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Person Act and the Domestic Workers Act.

At the same time, Duterte’s son, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II encouraged children not to resort to drugs.

He made the call during the World Day Against Child Labor celebration held at the Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Matina.