DOLE seeks end to child labor in fishing, aquaculture by 2028

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is pushing for the elimination of child labor in the country’s fishing and aquaculture sectors by 2028 as part of its drive to uphold labor standards and strengthen social protection in the industry.

- By TRIXEE ROSEL

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the department, through the National Council Against Child Labor, is coordinating with local government units and civil society partners to end the worst forms of child labor in these sectors.

“We have a target of zero child labor by 2028, and we hope our partners will help us realize that goal,” Laguesma said during the first National Industry Dialogue on Sustainable Aquaculture Supply Chains in the Philippines.

The labor chief explained that the initiative also seeks to introduce reforms in aquaculture—particularly in the shrimp and seaweed industries—which are vital to food security and have strong export potential amid growing global demand.