DOLE-11 launches communication strategy to strengthen advocacy vs child labor

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=876958
• Friday, April 15, 2016

(PNA), LAP/LCM/PR/LDP

DAVAO CITY, April 15 (PNA) -– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has launched Thursday a communication strategy that will push better advocacy against child labor and draw support from other stakeholders especially people at the community level.

The strategy called “HELP ME” will include the holding of orientation and information dissemination activities, social media and tri-media presence to address the low level of awareness in child labor and encourage support and involvement among stakeholders.

HELP ME, which is a compilation of messages and materials on child labor related laws, best practices of child labor free barangays, was created by DOLE-11 and will be implemented for a year targeting community members, barangay council down to the parents of child laborers. The plan was worked out during the communication and strategic planning of DOLE last April 6 and 7.

"HELP ME" stands for: H – for health services and medical assistance; E – for education and training; L – for livelihood opportunities to parents of child laborers; P – for prevention, protection and prosecution; M – for monitoring; and E – for evaluation.

DOLE-11 Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao is hopeful that the communication plan will be able to raise awareness to everyone about child labor.

Melanie Jadulang, DOLE-11 Child-labor Prevention and Elimination Program focal person, said the workshops will really help in addressing child labor in the region.

“This communication plan on child labor prevention and elimination is really a big step for us to strengthen our advocacy,” she added.

The communication planning lecture was given by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Assistant Secretary and Region-11 Director Efren Elbanbuena.

The HELP ME convergence program was created pursuant to Republic Act No. 9231 (An Act Providing For The Elimination Of The Worst Forms Of Child Labor And Affording Stronger Protection For The Working Child, Amending For This Purpose Republic Act No. 7610, As Amended, Otherwise Known As The "Special Protection Of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation And Discrimination Act"), Republic Act No. 9208 ("Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003"), and other related laws.

Members of the convergence other than the DOLE as its head and the PIA include: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Local Government Units and Non-Government Organizations.

As of the 1st quarter of 2016, there was a total of 10 child-labor free establishment and 3 child labor-free barangays recorded in Davao Region.