A total of 50 child laborers in Pasig City were given free healthcare services by the local government and its affiliated national agencies and hospitals through the “Batang Malaya” initiative on Friday, Aug. 11.
The “Batang Malaya” project was led by the Pasig City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Pasig Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (PCTIPC).
The project, done as part of the city’s celebration of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, sought to help ensure the health and wellbeing of child laborers in the city, all of whom were identified by the local government and profiled by DOLE.
The services were provided by health workers and doctors from The Medical City Eye and Vision Institute, The Medical City Institute of Pediatrics and the Akbay Ginhawa Foundation.
After registration, the patients underwent anthropometrics measurements wherein nurses and doctors can assess the physical condition of children, as well as their nutritional status.
The parents and their kids were able to consult with pediatricians on their respective conditions and ailments during the sessions, conducting general body check-ups for the children.
The kids were given loot bags and gifts once they completed the check ups.
Prior to the medical check ups, a short program was held, graced by City Councilor Quin Cruz; Anthony Gamo, head of the Employee Engagement Department of The Medical City; Dr. Agnes Alarilla-Alba, director of the The Medical City Institute of Pediatrics; Dr. Gary Martinez Jr., chief medical officer of The Medical City; DOLE National Capital Region (NCR) Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan (PAMAMARISAN) Field Office Director Lilibeth Cagara; and Dr. Rafael Claudio, president of Akbay Ginhawa Foundation.
The project was one of the city’s programs aimed at assisting current child laborers and their families, which can help lead to curbing child labor in Pasig.
Last June 12, the local government, through the PCTIPC, and DOLE launched this year’s “Project Angel Tree,” which is an awareness campaign initiative and a livelihood assistance program for indigent families.
Each of the 50 beneficiaries of the program received P20,000 worth of financial aid, 16 sacks of rice, and grocery packs.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has vowed to implement sustainable programs and interventions to fight child labor in the city.
He added that the assistance given to families may improve their economic situations and enable them to build better lives where their children do not have to work to support their daily survival.