Response by
Mr. Werner Konrad Blenk
ILO Subregional Director for South-East Asia and the Pacific
On the Occasion of the Ceremonial Signing of the 
ECOP Action Programme to Eliminate Worst Forms of Child Labour
17 May 2005, Manila Hotel

The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) is one of the key sectors of Philippine society that have stood up in opposing the exploitation and abuse of children, especially in the world of work. Starting with an IPEC action program in 1997, and with the establishment of the Child Labor Committee as a first step, ECOP’s initiatives have expanded since then.

Among a range of activities, ECOP had conducted a special survey on the linkages between the formal employment sector and child labor in subcontracted, informal establishments. It has also organized advocacy seminars and dialogues among the country’s major business and civic organizations. Translating awareness into direct action has been the next major move, and ECOP launched its nationwide accreditation and recognition system of child-friendly firms.

Through its accreditation system, ECOP has established a pragmatic and powerful instrument with which to persuade its member-companies to articulate anti-child labor policies and engage in socially responsible corporate services for communities. It has also proven to be a valuable vehicle in raising the quality of understanding of child’s rights, as well as generating an overall atmosphere of concern and advocacy for the benefit of the children. This new Action Program of ECOP with the ILO’s International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) will show that in the long run, a comprehensive and preventive approach is needed to address the child labor problem. A child’s withdrawal from work must be accompanied by supportive measures for the child and family. Otherwise, action simply cannot be sustained. Poor families can be persuaded to keep their children in school and to withdraw them from hazardous work only if viable alternatives can be offered, such as what Atty. Soriano had mentioned.

Employment and income-generating programs for parents and adults are often a major component of successful initiatives against child labor. These come in various forms such as the training of adults in relevant skills, micro-finance and other credit schemes, and even the establishment of small industries in the community. In some cases, children can only be successfully withdrawn from difficult and hazardous work if alternative livelihood opportunities – that are not dangerous or do not interfere with their education – are provided.

Together, we should work to overcome all physical, economic, social and political obstacles in the battle against the worst forms of child labor. It is, indeed, heartwarming to note that through the years, ECOP has remained true to its commitment to work in synergy with the other partners and stakeholders in eliminating the worst forms of child labor in the country. ILO is truly honored to share its vision with ECOP of a Philippines without child labor.

Thank you and good afternoon.