Child labor persist in the Philippines because of the extreme poverty gripping our country. Per statistics, 54% of Filipinos live below the poverty line, with many trying to survive on P45 or less a day. Because of widespread unemployment and underemployment, crime and prostitution rates have gone up, and so does the number of children who work instead of attending schools.

Rampant corruption and bad governance play big roles on why the Philippines remain a basket case. But another reason is the slaver-rate of pays for millions of our workers in service and manufacturing sectors. How in the world can a breadwinner get his family out of poverty with just a wage equivalent to ₱ 400 or ₱450 a day? Slave work contracts that need to be renewed once every six month that exempt employers from paying benefits do not help either.

The story of our country is a sad one. For lack of jobs, 10 million OFWs left to work abroad, many of them abused by their employers. The $25 billion they remit yearly does wonder for our economy as it drives consumer spending. But still many of our people are poor, making it necessary for children to pull their own weights and works even at very young ages.

The government must strengthen its legal and policy framework against child labor. Legislation for stiffer penalties against abusers must be pursued. Existing social protection program are clearly not sufficient and there are significant gaps in the enforcement of existing laws.

Congress must look into increasing fines, revising child labor rules, and the executive must reinvigorate enforcement of anti-child labor laws to ensure the safety of children.

By: RAQUEL O. PIMO T-1, Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School Naparing, Dinalupihan, Bataan