The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga and the local government unit of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, launched the SHIELD Against Child Labor Program, September 18, at the Municipal Covered Court in Poblacion.

During the event, the Field Office and the LGU formally signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen partnerships and uphold shared accountability in promoting child protection and development.

A total of 26 former child laborers received ₱5,000 each as educational assistance, aimed at supporting their studies and reducing their vulnerability to child labor.

The financial aid serves as an immediate intervention to ease the cost of schooling while encouraging regular attendance.

Mayor Deo Manpatilan Jr. assured that the LGU will continue supporting children so they can focus on their education. He acknowledged poverty as a factor that drives children into labor but emphasized the municipality’s efforts to provide families with opportunities and resources.

“Dili ikalimod na tungod sa kalisod ang bata mo engage sa pagpanarbaho, pero gipaningkamotan sa LGU nga aduna tay sakto na oportunidad na mahatag [sa mga ginikanan] ug ma-provide ang panginahanglanon sa mga bata para makabaton sila sa sakto nga edukasyon,” Mayor Manpatilan Jr. said.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Officer Edgardo C. Zerna described SHIELD as a protection for children against abuse and a means to secure their future.

“Ang SHIELD sa bisaya taming, mao na ang mag proteksyon sa mga kabataan laban sa abuso. Kani usa ka nindot nga programa sa DSWD nga nagprotektar sa mga kabataan ug masiguro na mahatagan sila ug maayo nga kaugmaon.”

The DSWD SHIELD Against Child Labor program brings together government agencies, LGUs, civil society groups, and communities in the collective effort to build a child-labor-free society.