BAGUIO CITY(PIA)—Members of the Child Labor-Effective Awareness Response in Cordillera Administrative Region (CLEAR-CAR) engage in constructive discussions to advance child welfare in the region.
This initiative aims to address the proliferation of child labor and other prevailing community gaps drawn from a baseline study conducted by CLEAR-CAR in Baguio City and in some municipalities in the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao.
Also, the endeavor is in response to the proliferation of child labor and other prevailing community gaps drawn from a baseline study conducted by CLEAR-CAR in Baguio City and in some municipalities in the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao.
At the stakeholder dialogue on August 5, 2025 in Baguio City, the study was presented. It shows that while there are structures such as municipal and barangay councils serving as primary channels for reporting child protection issues, there are no specific programs that address the worst forms of child labor (WFCL) and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC).
On top of this, local government units generally incorporate national policies like Republic Act 7610 or the anti-child abuse law into local ordinances to align with broader standards. However, there are no specific ordinances to address WFCL and OASEC.
These gaps are also associated with the varying perception of child labor within the study scope. Based on the study, cultural norms and economic pressures are one of the significant challenges in the implementation of child labor interventions. Under this, child labor is perceived as a norm or beneficial.
Political, social and cultural conflicts also affect the implementation of child labor programs and services. In spite of the strong collaboration between LGUs and their partners, deeply ingrained cultural beliefs complicate the efforts.
With these findings, the dialogue involved members into the prioritization of key issues, and the formulation of a collaborative, multi-sectoral action plan to address said issues.
Among the identified plans are comprehensive information education campaigns to distinguish child work and labor.
The region also moves to strengthen collaboration between LGUs and line agencies to further develop grass roots level actions through programs and activities, not only catering to the victims and stakeholders, but also the family and community.
The LGUs are also encouraged to develop specific ordinances and to designate a focal person dedicated to addressing WFCL and OSAEC.
Spearheaded by World Vision and Lingap PangkabataanInc, the CLEAR-CAR is composed of line agencies, local government units, educational institutions, religious groups and civil society organizations. It aims to have stakeholders implement effective and responsive policies, programs and approaches to address child labor and attain improved protective and productive capacities of child laborers and families. **JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR
