Source: CCTV.com

01-12-2007 14:43

Child labor is a pervasive problem in the Philippines. Children work to escape the desperate poverty that faces them and their families. Though they are not well paid, they still serve as major contributors to their family's income. Many endure lives of pure deprivation.

In today's Working Asia, NET 25 Philippines' Shella Nadal reveals the real conditions of the children who work at the wet markets in the Philippines.

The child is the symbol of hope for most Filipinos - the hope of the family, of the community, of the country.

But as poverty in the country worsens the chances of realizing the hopes and dreams for these children decrease, because they are forced to work at an early age.

There are about four million child laborers in the Philippines.

This is 16 percent of the total population of children in the country.

They are found in almost all labor sectors--at home, on the streets, in factories and even in wet markets, during the day or in the wee hours of the night.

This is a wet market at 12 o'clock in the morning. Outside it is still dark but the market is alive. Despite the heavy rains and an impending storm, the market is noisy and chaotic.

Inside the market are some child laborers trying to work as fast as and efficiently as the adults.

The children don't seem to mind the hardships, exhaustion, heat or cold. Each child has a reason for working...

Junnie, 17-year-old ,said "They said it was better that we get used to working while we are young so we wouldn't have a hard time or be burdened when we get old."

Interviewer: "Why are you saving (money)?"

Rainier, butcher of 17-year-old: "Of course, I want my own home built in the province."

Interviewer: "Aside from having your own house, what are your other plans?"

Rainier: "Nothing much, I just want to give something back to my mother for bringing me up, that is enough."

Both Junnie and Rainier come from poor and big families in the province. They were recruited by their siblings to work in the city.

They start working at 11 in the evening and will go home when their employer lets them - but only to do more work in the sausage factory. They earn P250 each per working day.

Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebabda said "A child does not develop self-esteem from being a laborer because he does not compete with other children who are enjoying normal childhood."

"...these children are self-sacrificing in nature. That is why they work, because they are good children."

Nobody really complains. These children say that it was hard only in the beginning, eventually they get used to the hard labor. They learn to endure despite the meager salary.

...some don't even receive any because they are just helping their parents.

Just like Rommel, nine years old. At one in the morning, he has to start vending on the sidewalk.

At first, he complained. He would cry because working meant his sleep was disturbed.

Finally, he his mother forced him...

He's too drowsy; he couldn't even peel a potato.

Inside the market, the noise intensifies. Vendors are already busy, and so are the other market workers.

Most of them were former child laborers too. The market is home to them. Here is where they had lived and aged. Perhaps this is where they would die.

Rommel's little sister sleeps in a corner. At four, she's already getting used to life inside the market.

In a few years, she'll be helping by selling vegetables...

In the Philippines, child laborers can be found doing all manners of job. Aside from the wet markets, there are children who jump in cement tankers to sell their contents for money. Be sure to join us as we present these Trunk Jumpers to you tomorrow.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan