THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment reported that it saved 12,821 children from illegal labor in the Ilocos region.

DOLE-Ilocos Region Information Officer Justin Paul Marbella said the rescue operation was conducted by operatives from DOLE, local government units and other national government agencies.

“Child labor may be defined as any work or economic activity performed by a child that subjects him or her to any form of exploitation, or is harmful to his or her health and safety or physical, mental or psychosocial development,” Marbella said.

The Labor department conducted nationwide profiling of child laborers to identify those who need assistance.

“The children have been profiled in 2018. Since then, they were referred to different government agencies. Most interventions are counseling by their respective Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and livelihood assistance through DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan para sa Magulang ng Batang Manggagawa project,” Marbella said.

He said the project aims to contribute in the prevention and elimination of child labor by providing their families access to decent livelihood opportunities.