Uphold the Rights and Dignity of Filipino Children

Uphold the Rights and Dignity of Filipino Children

Photo by Human Rights Watch

Critical issues such as child labor, education, health, and safety persist in Philippine society, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to protect the rights of every child. Below are some of the critical challenges Filipino children face today.

Child Labor 

Hunger and poverty push children in the Philippines to enter various jobs at a young age. The lack of decent-paying jobs for adults also forces families to struggle for basic needs. The worsening poverty and hunger in the country are alarming, leading to an increase in child labor and exploitation in the sex trade for survival. Despite this, the Philippine government has done little to address the dire situation faced by Filipino children.

According to 2021 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), nearly 1.37 million, or 4.3% of Filipinos aged 5 to 17, are child workers and are being exploited. This figure is higher compared to 2019 and 2020, which recorded averages of 3.4% and 2.8%, respectively.

The condition of Filipino child laborers in rural areas is dire. Entire families often work together to meet their daily needs. In a 2019 documentary by Mav Gonzales on GMA Network's I-Witness program, children aged 10 to 16 from Agusan del Norte were shown diving into creeks to collect mud, earning just 10 pesos per bucket. On average, they earn only 80 PHP (approximately $1.40) a day, which they must share among themselves. This meager income is their source of food and pocket money.

Another example is a documentary by Atom Araullo on GMA Network titled The Munting Bisig, which explores child labor during the pandemic (July 2021). It introduces 15-year-old "Pancho," the youngest compressor diver in Barangay Paracale, Camarines Norte. Pancho dives 40 feet into mud to collect soil in hopes of finding gold. As the pandemic spread across the country, many children like Pancho chose to work, earning a few pesos to help their families survive.

Child labor is not confined to remote areas. In Pasay, Atom meets Joshua, a 12-year-old who is the breadwinner of his family. A member of the “lockdown generation,” Joshua was stranded in Metro Manila during the pandemic while his ailing father remained in Cavite. To support his family, Joshua rides his bike through the neighborhood, selling snacks to earn a modest income.

Education Access

The Philippine education system is walking on thin ice, with 9 out of 10 Filipinos unable to read and understand a simple age-appropriate text at age 10, according to the World Bank.

The COVID-19 pandemic made that worse as the country endured the longest school closure among 122 countries, along with highly unequal access to the internet and digital learning resources.

Moreover, Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns is calling on Vice President Sara Duterte to return P12.3 billion from the Department of Education’s 2023 budget, suspended by the Commission on Audit due to mismanagement. This fund was meant for 6,397 new classrooms, but only 192 were completed, worsening overcrowding and leaving teachers struggling to deliver quality education. “This is a grave injustice to our children. The budget was supposed to ease the education crisis, not make it worse”, Salinlahi said.

The misallocation of funds deepens the education crisis and further delays progress in the Philippines. The government must prioritize education over military spending and corrupt projects to avoid future economic stagnation.

Filipino Children’s Health Crisis

Malnutrition and stunting affect nearly 3 million children under the age of 5 in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas, severely impacting their growth and development. Infant and child mortality rates from preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and respiratory infections remain alarmingly high. Limited access to health care, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas, restricts essential services like immunization and maternal care.

Mental health challenges, including stress and anxiety, are on the rise among children, particularly in impoverished communities where support services are scarce. Poor sanitation and the lack of clean water exacerbate the spread of diseases like dengue and cholera, disproportionately affecting children.

To address these critical issues, the Philippine government must prioritize increased funding and implement programs to enhance nutrition, expand access to health care, provide mental health support, and improve sanitation. These steps are essential to securing a healthier and brighter future for Filipino children.

Militarization and the Displacement of Indigenous Children

Lumad children in Mindanao are among the most affected by conflict and displacement. They face severe challenges due to ongoing militarization, which forces many families to flee their homes. This displacement exposes children to violence, trauma, and poor living conditions in overcrowded shelters with limited access to education and health care.

The closure of many Lumad schools has further disrupted their education, while displacement contributes to malnutrition, disease, and the erosion of their cultural identity. Advocacy groups promoting the rights of children and indigenous communities continue to call for an end to militarization, support for reopening and constructing schools within Lumad communities, and improved access to health care to safeguard the rights and future of these children.

Every child has the right to a healthy, safe, and dignified life.

To ensure this, communities must work together to address pressing issues such as malnutrition, lack of education, and protection from violence. It is vital to push for collective action so the Philippine government can respond promptly and effectively.

Increase funding for health and education programs for children.

Support local and international initiatives that promote children's safety and development.

Stand up and join forces to uphold the rights and welfare of children.

For campaigns and resources that promote the rights and welfare of children in the Philippines, support and follow the initiatives of the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns:

  • Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/salinlahiphilippines
  • Website: https://salinlahi.org

Sources

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