The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI in partnership with the City Social Services Development Office (CSSDO) of Davao City conducted ADVOCACY SESSIONS ON THE PHILIPPINE PROGRAM AGAINST CHILD LABOR, RA 9231 and RA  9208  for two batches on February 28 and 29, 2012 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.   A total of 60 new social workers assigned in the different districts of Davao City attended the orientation.

DOLE XI’s Regional Director Joffrey Suyao gave an inspiring message to the participants. He stressed the vital role that the social workers play in the implementation of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor and the need to have synergy of collaboration and cooperation as we promote and protect the best interest and welfare of our children who are under the quagmire of exploitation, abuse and neglect. Also present during the activity was Ms. Maria Luisa Bermudo , Department Head of CSSDO who thanked our department for spearheading the initiative to come up with advocacy efforts on PPACL to increase the level of  awareness of the participants on laws governing and protecting children and women namely RA 9231 and RA 9208.

Mr. Henry Montilla , Planning Officer and Regional Coordinator, presented the frame work of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor, the salient features of RA 9231 and KASAMA while Mr. Marlito Ayala, LEO III  discussed the provisions of RA 9208. Other topics like HIV-AIDS and Stigma Reduction  were discussed by Mr. Kenneth Sadia and Ms. Priscilla Senoc of the City Health Office. Documentary films on child labor and trafficking were also shown to the participants to make them more cognizant and deepen their understanding on child labor and trafficking issues and concerns.

The highlights of the activity were the development of an advocacy plan per district and distribution of advocacy materials to be used during their campaign against child labor and child trafficking . As agreed, the plan will be monitored by our department and CSSDO.