The economic growth rate in the Philippines has shown consistency over the last few years, with the exception of the downturn experienced during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this economic resilience, social development indicators reveal that the well-being of the country's children is lagging.
Persistent challenges such as high child mortality rates, inadequate access to quality education, severe malnutrition, prevalent child labor practices, and widespread violence, abuse, and neglect highlight the ongoing deprivation of children's rights in the Philippines. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort from government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to uphold and protect children's rights effectively.
The Philippines faces significant children's rights risks across various economic sectors, impacting the well-being and rights of its youngest citizens. Here's an overview of how these sectors contribute to children's deprivations and the measures that can be taken to mitigate them:
Service Sector
- Challenges: The service sector has issues such as child labor, poor working conditions, involvement in sex work, malnutrition due to unhealthy food, and widening social gaps through private education and healthcare.
- Solutions: Businesses can support healthy eating initiatives, contribute to educational resources, partner in healthcare programs, and ensure equitable services to bridge social gaps.
Industrial Sector
- Challenges: Child labor and unhealthy food and beverages are significant concerns, alongside the adverse effects of parents' working conditions and construction projects on children's well-being.
- Solutions: Ensuring safe working conditions, responsible sourcing, and community-sensitive construction projects can mitigate these risks.
Agriculture Sector
- Challenges: The sector is marked by informality, leading to a lack of social protection, child labor, limited access to safe water, and vulnerability to disasters.
- Solutions: Improving social protection, ensuring access to resources, and supporting disaster-resilient practices can address these challenges.
Community
- Nutrition Advocacy: Retail industry's role in promoting healthy food choices.
- Education Support: Funding scholarships and providing educational resources.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Establishing healthcare programs for children's health needs.
- Youth Empowerment: Promoting volunteerism and mentoring for young people.
- Mitigation of Displacement Risks: Conducting environmental and social impact assessments.
Workplace
- Supply Chain Due Diligence: Identifying and eliminating child labor.
- Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Labour Standards: Ensuring ethical labor practices.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Supporting working parents through flexible policies and facilities.
Marketplace
- Ethical Marketing and Gender Equality: Safeguarding children from harmful content and promoting positive role models.
- Digital Marketplace: Ensuring a safe digital environment for children, reducing exposure to harmful content.
Environment
- Sustainable Operations and Responsible Sourcing: Reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
- Community Resilience: Supporting disaster-affected communities in rebuilding essential infrastructure for children.
These interventions highlight the crucial role of businesses in improving the well-being of children across the Philippines. By addressing the intersection of children's rights and business practices, there is a significant opportunity to foster sustainable change and ensure a better future for the country's children.