The 20 child laborers sa BARMM ay nailigtas, na-rehabilitate, at handa nang makabalik sa paaralan matapos makatanggap ng tig-P15,000 cash assistance at school supplies nitong weekend. Layunin ng pamahalaang Bangsamoro na tulungan silang makapag-aral muli sa ilalim ng Bangsamoro Child Labor Sagip Program (BCLSP).
Ten of these children are from Teduray communities in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, while the rest are from Barangay Poblacion 9, Cotabato City. According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment-BARMM, officials will help them return to school and avoid re-entering child labor.
Many of the children from South Upi used to work on farms, sell food, or help at the market and terminal. Meanwhile, the children from Cotabato City earn a living by collecting recyclable materials from dumpsites to help support their families.
The BCLSP also focuses on protecting against the use of children as combatants in areas of rido, land disputes, and political tensions. It has received significant support from the International Labor Organization, LGUs, and various NGOs in partnership with the Bangsamoro government.
According to MoLE-BARMM data, 691 child laborers and child combatants have been rescued since 2023, and almost all of them have been returned to school. Their parents are now earning a living through mushroom growing, livestock-raising, and making native delicacies with the help of various agencies and partners.
