Children in the Philippines, especially those who belong to low-income families, are bound to an early participation in economic activities. At very young ages, they are trained to help in household chores and, for many whose parents’ income cannot cover the needs of their families, contribute to the family larder. Hence, by the time they reach adolescence, most of them are well versed with the realities of the Philippine labor market.

Indeed, the Philippines is one country where working adolescents are quite prevalent. For years, local industries have played host to these adolescents, engaging them with every kind of work and subjecting them to all types of working conditions. While a great number of them have grown to become successful, many succumb to the ill effects of early work.

In its conceptual perspective, work among adolescents is not wrong. In fact, children are taught to work at a tender age because this is considered one strategy for their proper development. Work for adolescents becomes unacceptable and objectionable only when such work undermines their physical, moral, intellectual and overall growth.

This Monograph presents a study of the working adolescents – their number, their reasons for working, their industrial concentration and their working conditions. It also attempts to present issues and problems concerning these adolescents, existing programs and policies that are intended to address their plight, and recommends possible solutions to the problems of working adolescents. To some extent, this Monograph also discusses girl-adolescents in the workforce.