TACLOBAN CITY – A 15-year-old boy from Hinabangan, Samar has been rescued from hazardous child labor and is now under government protection after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) discovered him doing risky construction-related work.
The minor, identified only as “Jerry” to protect his identity, was found during a DOLE field profiling activity in Barangay Bucalan on July 9. The agency said the orphaned teenager had been hauling heavy containers of water and performing construction-related tasks in exchange for food and small amounts of money.
Following validation, DOLE’s Samar Field Office coordinated with the barangay council, municipal and provincial social welfare offices, and other partner agencies to carry out a rescue operation on July 20.
The boy has since been removed from hazardous work and provided with food, clothing, hygiene kits, medical and nutritional assessment, and assistance in securing civil identity documents. He has also been enrolled in the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) to help him continue his education.
To support his recovery, the child was placed under the care of social welfare authorities, while DOLE committed livelihood assistance for his acting guardians through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and TUPAD to help build a temporary shelter.
DOLE said the intervention underscores the government’s continuing campaign to eliminate child labor and ensure that vulnerable children are given access to education, protection, and better opportunities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
