In a significant move to protect children’s rights, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) against child labor.
The project aims to enhance the ability of local government units (LGUs) to prevent and eliminate the worst forms of underage labor.
Launch of SHIELD
DSWD launched the SHIELD project on January 12, 2017.
This program was initially set to run for two years in Regions CALABARZON, V, and VIII.
These regions were high-risk areas for child exploitation due to industries like deep-sea fishing, mining, quarrying, agriculture, and domestic work.
The Urgency of Addressing Child Labor
DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo emphasized the persistent problem of child exploitation.
Despite ongoing campaigns, underage labor remained a significant issue, with increasing numbers of child workers each year.
Children were found working in palm plantations, mining, sweatshops, and backyard industries.
A 2011 survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that around 5.492 million children aged 5-17 were already working, with 54.5% in hazardous environments.
The Scope of Child Labor
Many children worked in farmlands, plantations, mines, the pyrotechnics industry, and as domestic workers.
Agriculture remained the sector with the highest number of minor laborers.
According to the DSWD Listahanan database, there were 85,570 underage laborers in the agriculture sector alone.
Other sectors with significant child exploitation included construction, manufacturing, deep-sea fishing, domestic work, and mining.
Existing Legal Frameworks
There were already existing standards against exploitation of minors issued by the International Labor Organization and provisions of RA 9231.
These could be used as guidelines to analyze the conditions of child workers and implement protective measures.
Key Components of SHIELD
Child Labor Local Registry (CLLR)
The local registry created a database to identify and monitor underage laborers in the community.
It also set up a referral and monitoring mechanism for cases of child exploitation, especially the worst forms.
Barangay Helpdesk on Child Labor
The Barangay Help Desk provided a one-stop shop service and facilitated rescue operations when necessary.
It united support services for child workers and their families to provide immediate and easy access to interventions at the community level.
Organizing, Advocacy, and Capability Building
The project also included activities to strengthen the capacity, organization, and advocacy for child workers, their families, employers (such as financiers, contractors, and hacienderos), and service providers.
These activities aimed to raise awareness of underage labor issues, laws, dangers, and proper case management for child workers.
Addressing the Root Cause: Poverty
Secretary Taguiwalo highlighted that underage labor was rooted in poverty.
As long as poverty persisted, children would continue to be forced to work to support their families.
The state had a duty to protect these children and show that their welfare was a priority.
Target Clients of SHIELD
SHIELD targeted various groups affected by child exploitation:
- Children engaged in severe forms of explotation of minors, such as mining, deep-sea fishing, and commercial agriculture.
- Families of child workers.
- Employees including financiers, hacienderos, contractors, and others involved in underage labor industries.
Pilot Municipalities of SHIELD
The pilot municipalities for the SHIELD project included:
- Region IV-CALABARZON: Catanauan, Quezon
- Region V: Labo, Jose Panganiban & Paracale, Camarines Norte
- Region VIII: Ormoc City & Kananga, Leyte
- Region X: Maramag, Bukidnon
Addressing the Root Cause: Poverty
Secretary Taguiwalo highlighted that underage labor was rooted in poverty.
As long as poverty persisted, children would continue to be forced to work to support their families.
The state had a duty to protect these children and show that their welfare was a priority.
Collaborative Effort
However, the DSWD could not combat child exploitation alone.
LGUs needed to be equipped to eliminate hazardous exploitation of minors in their jurisdictions.
The community also needed to work to protect and care for their children.
Civil society groups were encouraged to extend their help to government agencies and communities.
“We should all be part of providing prompt and caring services to our youth,” said Secretary Taguiwalo.
Partnerships for SHIELD
Project SHIELD was implemented in partnership with LGUs, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and other government agencies.
These included the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Recent Updates
DSWD’s SHIELD Program: Safeguarding Children from Forced Labor
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remains steadfast in its commitment to protect children from forced labor. Through its SHIELD program, DSWD provides comprehensive and immediate interventions to individuals who have been subjected to labor exploitation at a young age, seeing to it that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and dream, regardless of their circumstances.
On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labor, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) renews its dedication to eliminating underage labor in the Philippines through its SHIELD Program. With a localized theme of “Bawat Bata, Malaya: Mithiin ng Nagkakaisang Bansa”, DSWD emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation, so that they have the opportunity to experience a hopeful and promising childhood.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) collaborates with the Australian government to enhance its disaster response mechanisms and social protection efforts. In a meeting between Secretary REX Gatchalian and Australian Ambassador HK Yu PSM, discussions centered around improving the DSWD’s disaster response system and implementing the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Program, supported by the Australian government. This partnership aims to share knowledge and best practices in disaster preparedness with local government units in the Philippines.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) made significant strides in combating underage labor through its SHIELD program in 2022. More than 1,400 victim-survivors of underage labor were identified and provided with tailored services and interventions, including educational assistance and case referrals to other government agencies. The SHIELD program continues to prioritize the well-being and development of child workers at the community level.
Video: DSWD Shield Program
The Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare has launched the “SHIELD” program, aimed at providing support and protection to vulnerable individuals and families during challenging times. This video serves as an introduction to the program, highlighting its objectives, key features, and the assistance it offers to those in need.
Conclusion
The SHIELD project was a major step towards eradicating underage labor in the Philippines.
By strengthening the capabilities of LGUs and collaborating with various organizations, the DSWD aimed to create a safer and more supportive environment for children.
Together, let us protect our children and create a brighter future for them.