Davao City Intensifies Fight for Children's Rights
The Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is amplifying its mission to safeguard the rights of vulnerable youth with the upcoming Children in Street Situation (CISS) Congress 2025. Scheduled for November 27-28, 2025, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, this event marks a continued commitment to giving a platform to the city's most at-risk children.
A Vital Platform for Young Voices
Since its inception in 2022, the Congress has established itself as a crucial avenue for children in street situations and child laborers to voice their concerns and directly influence the policies that impact their lives. This year's gathering will bring together 28 CISS and 26 child laborers, who will engage in workshops and dialogues with key agencies.
These sessions will involve the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC), the City Health Office (CHO), and law enforcers. This collaborative approach ensures that the children's right to participation is not only recognized but actively upheld, placing them at the center of conversations about their own welfare and future.
Progress and Persistent Challenges
Mark Timbang, the focal person for the Children Welfare Program, shared encouraging news, noting a decline in the number of children in street situations. In an interview with Serbisyo Dabawenyo on November 17, 2025, he expressed optimism, stating that the decreasing numbers indicate that community programs and clear government initiatives for families are producing positive results.
However, Timbang was quick to highlight that poverty remains the root cause of child labor. This economic pressure forces children into hazardous and exploitative work. While many see street work as a necessary means to help their families avoid hunger, it exposes them to constant danger and potential abuse.
He clarified the legal standards, emphasizing that children under 15 must never be subjected to labor. Those aged 15 and above may only engage in work under strict parental supervision and on the condition that their education is not compromised.
Empowerment Through Education and Awareness
The CISS Congress serves as a powerful educational tool. It equips children with the knowledge to understand the risks associated with street work, recognize unsafe and exploitative situations, and confidently assert their fundamental right to protection and education.
Timbang called on all Dabawenyos to continue their support for child protection programs, framing every child guided away from the streets as a significant victory for the city's future. He pointed to the success stories of former CISS and child laborers who have overcome their circumstances and are now succeeding in their education, describing their achievements as a major win for both the individuals and the community.
This ongoing effort underscores Davao City's determined campaign to break the cycle of child labor and build a safer, more promising future for its youngest residents.
