The case studies examine the experiences of the local government units of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte, Gainza in Camarines Sur, and Maitum in Sarangani in implementing child labor programs.  The case studies identify the initiatives established by the LGUs, the strategies that were employed, and the factors that either facilitated or hindered the implementation process.

The report specifically highlights the role of the local government units in exemplifying their unique approaches to the child labor problem for possible replication in other areas.

The case studies reveal that political leadership, partnership and community participation are crucial factors in carrying out anti-child labor initiatives.  Political leadership was manifested in two ways: First, as a facilitator -- when the LGUs are willing to create an enabling environment that allows the social partners to continuously work with minimal intervention.  Second, as a lead player in the process - when the LGUs under the leadership of the local chief executive spearheads the implementation of anti-child labor programs.

The presence of close collaboration and established networks or linkages with NGOs, international organizations, and other national government agencies is presented in the case studies as evidence of partnership as an essential factor in the implementation of anti-child labor programs.

The case studies also show that community participation ensured that the target beneficiaries at the community level are involved not merely as subjects but as actors in the programs, thereby empowering both the parents and the children and ensuring the success of the programs.

-   The Case of the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte

A majority of the child laborers in Jose Panganiban can be found in the mining industry.  They are involved in almost all stages of mineral extraction and processing that adversely affect their health and over-all development.  This case study looks into the role being played by the LGU in mitigating the incidence of child labor in the municipality.

The study reveals that child labor initiatives in the area started when the non-governmental organization Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) conducted a comprehensive research on the child labor situation in small mining sites in selected areas of Camarines Norte, including Jose Panganiban.

The research and its accompanying documentary film served as an opening door on the real situation of the children engaged in mining.  From then on, a series of advocacies, including information dissemination were conducted.

Also, different child labor advocates, such as the International Labor Organization-International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Department of Labor and Employment Region-5 (DOLE-RO5), as well as parents, child laborers, and the LGU started working together in dealing with the issue of child labor.

Initially, the LGU merely supports and assists these organizations in their activities.  Its most significant interventions came in the form of a municipal ordinance banning the employment of children in small-mining operations, fishing, and other livelihood activities.  Since then, the LGU of Jose Panganiban continues to give priority attention to programs and projects benefiting child laborers.

The case study observes that the success of the programs and projects in the municipality can be attributed in part to the full support and dedication of the local executives.  The political will of the local officials, the cooperation of various stakeholders, and the strong coordinative efforts among the social partners are the key elements that helped to achieve a common goal – the gradual elimination of child labor in the municipality.

-    The Case of the Municipality of Gainza, Camarines Sur

This case study examines the critical role of the LGU in Gainza, a 5^th class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, in combating the child labor problem in the area.

Most of the child laborers in Gainza are found in agriculture, market vending, and food processing, specifically talangka meat processing.  Because of budget constraints, the LGU focused on children and parents in talangka meat processing sector as beneficiaries of the majority of its anti-child labor initiatives.

Among the interventions are provision of opportunities for regular income of the mothers, facilitation of regular schooling of the child laborers, and the transformation of attitudes and values of parents toward child work vis-à-vis child labor.

Although Gainza was already a part of the Third Country Program on Children (CPC III) of the UNICEF, anti-child labor programs were not sustained except for community organizing, information dissemination and advocacy.

The municipality revitalized its programs on child labor in 2000 as it intensified its initiatives along the areas of 1) research; 2) information, education and communication campaign and advocacy; 3) law and policy; 4) community organizing and empowerment; 5) direct services such as livelihood and educational assistance; 6) capability building/ institutionalization; 7) documentation, monitoring, and evaluation; and 8) children’s participation.

The study concludes that based on the experience of Gainza, there is a need for political leadership, partnership, and community participation for anti-child labor program or for any social development program to succeed.

-    The Case of the Municipality of Maitum, Sarangani

This case documents the experience of Maitum in preventing child labor.  The municipality was specifically chosen as subject of the study since it was a UNICEF awardee as Child-Friendly Municipality (national level winner) in 2003.  Respondents affirmed that there has never been any record of child laborers in the area. They admitted, however, that there are working children, but they are just helping their parents in their farms.

Programs for children started when it was foreseen that children might be involved in drugs, either as “users” of as “runners” of shabu and marijuana.  Led by the mayor and in coordination with both the concerned government agencies and non-government organizations, the municipality focused on advocacy and anti-drug awareness programs conducted in schools and communities.

The municipality also credits the assistance and trainings provided by UNICEF in their successful bid to protect their children.  It specifically mentions that the Child Friendly Movements strengthened its existing programs and further improved the quality of service and monitoring.  According to the local government officials, the Movement contributed much in the protection of their children, which in turn helped prevent the incidence of child labor.