Don't hire children in firecracker factories -- DSWD
With the Christmas season fast approaching, the Department of Social welfare and Development is warning owners of firecracker factories not to employ children in this hazardous industry.
Secretary Esperanza Cabral warned owners of firecracker factories employing children as firecracker makers to release them from their undertakings or face sanctions for violating RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and RA 7658, Prohibiting the Employment of Children below 15 Years of Age in public and private undertakings.
Children below 18 years old should not work under conditions that are hazardous to life and safety which unduly interferes with the normal development of children, Cabral said as she cited Section 3 of RA 7610.
The DSWD reported that they have been receiving reports that unscrupulous individuals have started hiring children and minors below 18 years old to work in pyrotechnic factories.
The DSWD report disclosed that RA 765, amending Section 12, Article VIII of RA 7610, specifies that children below 15 years of age shall not be employed except in the following circumstances: when a child works directly under the sole responsibility of his parents or legal guardianthe employer shall ensure the protection health, safety, morals and normal development of the childand the employer shall institute measures to prevent the child's exploitation or discrimination taking into the account the system and level of renumeration, and the duration and arrangement of working time, among other provisions.
Secretary Cabral instructed all DSWD Directors to ensure community and family support by intensifying information dissemination on the role of parents and community members in protecting vulnerable children from being exploited by pyrotechnic factory owners.(PIA/TV)