PATAMABA Assists in Research Study
on Employers’ Demand for
Child Labor in the Philippines

A research study on the child labor problem from the perspective of employers’ demand was undertaken by a group of social scientists from the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University with assistance from the PATAMABA. Focusing on the pyrotechnics and fashion accessories industries, the surveys were conducted in Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan and in Laray, Talisay City, Cebu, respectively.

The results have been helpful in the formulation of demand-oriented policies intended to address the issue of child labor. The findings may also pave the way towards finding partial solution or mitigation of the child labor problem.

The project team forwarded some general considerations to curb the demand for child labor in the two industries. On the macro level, a bigger study was recommended with emphasis on the informal economy and subcontracting arrangements in similar industries affected by the domestic and international market. The aim is towards a more comprehensive and strategic analysis of employment behavior patterns resulting into important insights on child labor which is predominant in the informal sector.