“Hindi tayo magiging tahimik habang may mga batang inaagawan ng kanilang kabataan, edukasyon, at kinabukasan.”
Educo Philippines proudly joined the 2025 World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) celebration, marking a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking collective action to end child labor. The event brought together children, parents, community members, and partners united by a shared commitment that children should stay in school, not in areas of work.
Raising awareness and giving children a voice
The celebration included interactive learning sessions where children and parents learned about the causes and effects of child labor, and why education is a child’s right and best protection. Participants gained critical insights that strengthened their resolve to fight exploitation.
Children expressed their advocacy creatively by joining a slogan-making contest, producing powerful messages such as “ang bata ay para sa paaralan, hindi sa trabaho!”
The singing contest added a soulful dimension to the event, with children singing about hope, dreams, and justice; clearly showing that they are learners and changemakers, not workers.
A powerful message from the Interim Area Manager
In a heartfelt address at the Albay Astrodome, Educo Philippines’ Interim Area Manager, Mike Notob, for Albay and Sorsogon emphasized the urgency of ending child labor.
“Habang tayo ay nag-uusap dito ngayon at ginugunita natin ang WDACL, may mga batang kasalukuyang nagbubuhat ng mabibigat na bagay, nagtatrabaho o kaya’y nasa mga pabrika at minahan imbes na nasa paaralan. Ang katotohanang ito ay hindi lamang nakababahala, ito ay isang sigaw para sa pagkilos at pagtutulungan.”
Mike stressed that to effectively combat child labor, it is essential to strengthen the education system to ensure all children have access to quality, safe, and inclusive education. He added that supporting families through improved livelihoods is key, as poverty often pushes children into labor. Furthermore, Notob emphasized the need to intensify the implementation of child labor laws to ensure they are enforced fairly and effectively. Most importantly, the said Interim Area Manager urged everyone to start with themselves by examining their own communities.
“Kung may batang hindi nakakapag-aral o pinagtatrabaho sa ating paligid, huwag tayong magbulag-bulagan. Tayo po ay maging boses at tagapagtanggol ng karapatan ng bawat bata.”
The program also featured a commitment signing with the Regional Committee Against Child Labor to demonstrate that this fight is a lifelong responsibility, not just a one-day event.
A call for daily commitment
The Interim Area Manager’s message echoed the spirit of the day.
“Ang laban na ito ay hindi matatapos sa isang araw na selebrasyon. Ito ay araw-araw nating responsibilidad. Kung tayong lahat ay kikilos, makikinig at makikiisa, makasisiguro po tayo na makakamit natin ang pangarap na magkaroon ng isang mundo na ang lahat ng bata ay natatamasa nang buo ang kanilang mga karapatan.”
Building a future where children belong in school
The message this year was clear and urgent: a child’s place is in school, not at work!
By focusing on education, supporting families, enforcing laws, and staying vigilant in our communities, we can build a future full of hope where every child can learn, play, and dream freely.
Still, in the end, we say yes to education, protection, and a better future for every child.
