DAVAO CITY (November 20) — The city government will host a congress for children in street situations on November 27-28 as part of its intensified campaign against child labor.
The event aims to give children a platform to speak up, assert their rights, and engage directly with city offices and law enforcers, highlighting the city’s commitment to protecting its youngest and most vulnerable residents.
According to Mark Timbang, focal person for the City Social Welfare and Development Office, poverty remains the main driver of child labor, pushing children into unsafe and exploitative work.
He stressed that children under 15 should never work, while those aged 15 and above may only do so under supervision and without compromising their education. “We must ensure every child is protected and given the chance to thrive,” Timbang said.
The congress will bring together 54 children for workshops on recognizing unsafe situations, understanding their rights, and building self-confidence.
City officials hope the program will not only empower participants but also raise public awareness of the urgent need to eliminate child labor, framing it as both a community responsibility and a moral imperative.
