COTABATO CITY—In a heartfelt show of commitment to children’s rights and welfare, the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) led the pre-celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) on June 4. The event reaffirmed a growing regional movement to protect Bangsamoro children from the harsh realities of child labor and to promote education as a pathway to a better future.
The celebration, spearheaded by MOLE’s Bureau of Employment Promotion and Welfare (BEPW), gathered advocates, youth, and community leaders in a shared call to end child labor across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). With this year’s theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!”, the event reflected both the achievements made and the pressing need to deepen the fight against child exploitation.
A Government That Champions Children
Deputy Minister Tommy Nawa emphasized the interim Bangsamoro Government’s unwavering mission to safeguard the rights of its children. “Everyone must be given hope, and we still have a lot to do on top of everything we have already accomplished,” he said, highlighting the importance of dignity, education, and safety in giving children a chance to escape poverty and achieve meaningful lives.
This initiative falls under the 12th priority agenda of the current leadership—ensuring the self-sustaining and inclusive development of the Bangsamoro youth. For a region rebuilding from decades of conflict and marginalization, investing in children’s education is more than a policy choice—it’s a declaration of peace and progress.
“Batang Malaya”: A Child-Free from Labor
The Ministry’s “Batang Malaya” campaign, meaning “A Child Free,” forms the heart of MOLE’s advocacy. BEPW Director Sara Jane Sinsuat stressed the urgency of removing children from hazardous and exploitative work. “Let us continue to fight child labor by not engaging in any work like selling products in the market, driving the tricycle, or carrying heavy loads that may harm your physical health,” she said during the event.
While poverty and limited access to education remain among the root causes of child labor in the region, MOLE believes these challenges can be overcome through strong community engagement and policy support. The Bangsamoro Government, in partnership with local government units (LGUs), plans to roll out awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and education-centered activities throughout BARMM to bring this advocacy closer to families and barangays.
Why Keeping Children in School Matters
Child labor robs children not only of their childhood but also of the opportunity to build a better life. Work that is physically dangerous or mentally draining can harm their health, disrupt their development, and deprive them of their right to learn and grow in a safe environment.
Education, on the other hand, opens doors. It empowers young people to break the cycle of poverty, become informed citizens, and contribute meaningfully to society. In post-conflict regions like Bangsamoro, it plays an even bigger role—paving the way for peacebuilding, cultural understanding, and inclusive economic growth.
A Call to Action for All
The World Day Against Child Labor, observed every June 12 since 2002, serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to protect children from labor exploitation. In Bangsamoro, it is also a reminder of the shared responsibility between government, families, and communities to nurture the next generation.
Progress may be visible, but the road ahead is long. The commitment shown by the Bangsamoro Government in championing children’s rights is commendable—but it will take sustained action, cooperation, and vigilance to end child labor once and for all.
Because no child should have to trade books for burdens. And every child—Bangsamoro or otherwise—deserves a future shaped by dreams, not demands.