In line with its commitment to advancing inter-agency collaboration and promoting local government engagement in the prevention and elimination of child labor, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 participated in the Regional Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor and the 2025 World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) celebration held on June 12, 2025 at Robinsons North, Abucay, Tacloban City.
This year’s nationwide celebration carries the theme, โ€œSa Bagong Pilipinas: Mag-aaral ang Bata, Hindi Manggagawa!โ€ which echoes the global theme of the 2025 WDACL, โ€œProgress is clear, but thereโ€™s more to do: letโ€™s speed up efforts!โ€ The event brought together Project Angel Tree beneficiaries, key stakeholders, and child rights advocates committed to ending child labor.
Representing DILG Region 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Chief Jhonel M. Aรฑavesa, PhD, had the honor of joining the regionโ€™s champions for child rights in this significant gathering. The event was spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 8 and the Regional Council Against Child Labor โ€” Eastern Visayas (RCACL-EV).
The program featured impactful messages from regional leaders, including DOLE Regional Director Atty. Dax B. Villaruel, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, and DSWD 8 Regional Director Grace Q. Subong. They emphasized the collective responsibility of society to uphold every childโ€™s right to education, protection, and a childhood free from exploitation.
The event’s highlights include the gift-giving under Project Angel Tree, awarding of livelihood assistance, recognition of stakeholders, signing of the Pledge of Commitment in support of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor, the implementation of International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, and testimonies from former child laborers and advocacy video presentations.
The afternoon session featured an educational AVP on child labor laws, a magic show, and a mascot presentation, bringing smiles and moments of joy to the participating children.
As an active member of the RCACL-EV, DILG Region 8 continues to provide invaluable support to the shared mission of eliminating child labor and ensuring that every child in Eastern Visayas is given the opportunity to learn, dream, and thrive.
Together, we move forward towards a Bagong Pilipinas โ€” one where no child is left behind.