The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood and Other Development Interventions (SHIELD) Against Child Labor Program, conducted a capacity-building activity for members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on July 30, 2026.

The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of local child protection stakeholders in identifying, preventing, and responding to child labor and other forms of child exploitation. It particularly focused on the proper identification and distinction between child labor and child work, emphasizing the importance of recognizing situations where children may be exposed to hazardous conditions, exploitation, or circumstances that may negatively affect their development, education, health, and well-being.

A key component of the activity was the operationalization of the Child Labor Local Registry (CLLR) System, which serves as an important mechanism for the local identification, documentation, monitoring, and referral of children engaged in or at risk of child labor. Participants were oriented on their respective roles in ensuring that child labor-related information is properly recorded and utilized to facilitate appropriate interventions and services for children and their families.

The participants were likewise capacitated on the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination (CANE+D). The discussion emphasized the importance of a coordinated and child-sensitive approach in responding to cases involving children, including proper identification, assessment, referral, intervention, monitoring, and follow-through. Strengthening the capacity of local duty-bearers is crucial in ensuring that children who experience abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination receive timely and appropriate protection and assistance.

The activity also included an orientation on the MAKABATA Program and the institutionalization of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, which provides a mechanism for children, families, and other concerned individuals to report concerns and seek assistance related to children’s rights and protection. Participants were encouraged to promote awareness of the helpline within their respective communities and to ensure that reported concerns are appropriately acted upon and referred to the concerned authorities and service providers.

Through the capacity-building activity, DSWD Caraga underscored the vital role of LCPC and BCPC members as frontline child protection stakeholders. Their strengthened knowledge and active participation are essential in identifying children at risk, preventing child labor, facilitating appropriate interventions, and establishing a responsive local child protection system.

The activity forms part of the continuing efforts of the SHIELD Against Child Labor Program to strengthen the capacities of local government units and communities in preventing and addressing child labor. Through sustained collaboration among DSWD, local government units, and other child protection stakeholders, the program seeks to ensure that children are protected from hazardous and exploitative work and are provided with opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Together, through strengthened local child protection mechanisms and coordinated action, communities can help ensure that every child is protected from child labor and afforded the opportunity to enjoy their rights and live a life free from exploitation.