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The Regata, 1st Floor, CAS Building, Don Honorio Ventura State University/Main Campus, Bacolor (2025)

04/07/2025

𝙊𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙎𝙐 𝙖𝙩 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝙀𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙖 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙪𝙢

Making waves on the international stage, Mr. Jefran P. Olingay and Dr. Mary Grace T. Sandico, esteemed faculty members from the Social Work Department of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, showcased their prowess as they participated in the 16th Euroasia Forum for Social Workers held in Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea, from July 1 to 4, 2025.

Showcasing the depth of Filipino expertise, Olingay presented a study on forensic social work titled “Forensic Social Work Practice in the Philippines: A Study of Court Social Work Case Management,” while Sandico shed light on practice methods through the topic “Social Work Practice Methods: Social Protection Programme.”

Mr. Jefran P. Olingay serves as The Regata’s technical consultant, while Dr. Mary Grace T. Sandico is one of the publication’s advisers. Their research contributions underscore the significance of Filipino perspectives in shaping and enriching global social work practices.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 Jefran P. Olingay, MSSW
Mary Grace T. Sandico, Ph.D

30/06/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝟮-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀

Similar to the first day of enrollment held on June 27, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) successfully welcomed its final wave of incoming first-year students, with Psychology scheduled in the morning and Human Services in the afternoon, at the College of Education building today, June 30 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, with assistance from the CSSP Student Council and employees from the University Registrar ensuring a smooth and orderly enrollment.

Chairperson Antonio Morales of the Psychology department, and Chairperson Flor Ann Lingat of the Human Services department, were also on site, accompanied by faculty members and officers from Psychology Society and Human Services Student Organization to assist incoming Intellectuals.

At around 10:37 AM, enrollment was briefly put on hold as University Registrar staff stepped away to attend to office matters.

In an interview with The Regata, Jasmine Zarate, an incoming Psychology student shared their experience with the enrollment.

“Sobrang bilis lang ng enrollment process, hindi man ako tumagal ng 5 minutes siguro dahil konti na lang din yung students since 11:30 na ako pumunta at ‘di ko na naabutan yung mga nakapila,” she stated.

As the final list of enrolled students is set, the CSSP community stands ready to embrace a new school year committed to academic excellence.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 CJ Cortez
Mikaela Valencia
John Benjamin Crisostomo
Celine Nacpil
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

30/06/2025

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: Incoming first-year Psychology students under the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) crowd the ground floor of the College of Education building as the second day of enrollment for Academic Year 2025-2026 takes place today with the assistance of CSSP Student Council and staff of the University Registrar.

Officers of the Psychology Society and faculty members from the Psychology department spearheaded by the department’s Chairperson, Mr. Antonio Morales along with Human Services Chairperson, Dr. Flor Ann Lingat, are present to oversee and assist in the enrollment process.

Freshies who will take the Human Services program were scheduled in the afternoon. The enrollment will last until 5:00 P.M.—concluding the CSSP's enrollment schedule.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Celine Nacpil
John Benjamin Crisostomo
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

27/06/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: A momentous event marks a new chapter as Don Honorio Ventura State University is formally renamed Pampanga State University this June 27 at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center with the theme “Honoring Roots, Embracing the Future”

The presence of the CSSP delegates highlights the college’s active commitment to university milestones.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Lee Francis Macapagal
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

27/06/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪: The historic renaming of Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) to Pampanga State University (PSU) is officially taking place today, June 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM, at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center. This significant transition is enacted under Republic Act No. 12148, and the event carries the theme "Honoring Roots, Embracing the Future."

This moment marks a major milestone for both the university and the province of Pampanga, symbolizing a renewed commitment to academic excellence, public service, and community engagement.

Led by Dean Nelly N. Pilao, faculty members of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) alongside some members of the CSSP Student Council and proud alumni who recently passed the recent Board Licensure Examination for Psychologist and Psychometrician (BLEPP) took part in the momentous occasion that marks a new chapter for the institution.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 John Paul Bautista
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

27/06/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Gearing up for the academic year 2025-2026, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) holds its first day of enrollment for incoming 1st year students under the department of Sociology and Social Work today, June 27, from 7:50 AM to 4 PM at the ground floor of the College of Education building.

To ensure an organized process, incoming students were divided into two batches: Social Work in the morning and Sociology in the afternoon. Members of the CSSP student council, sub-organizations, and Dean Nelly N. Pilao in cooperation with staff from the University Registrar were present to guide enrollees throughout the process.

A help desk manned by members of the CSSPSC welcomes students as they enter the campus, assisting them in navigating each step of the enrollment.

“Una kinakabahan po kami kasi baka mali yung mga dala naming requirements pero helpful po yung mga (seniors) and clear po yung steps of enrollment,” Althea Gwynette Sitchon, a incoming Social Work student shared in an interview with The Regata.

“Okay naman po ang enrollment kaso sobrang haba ng pila pero keri lang. Super bait ng mga seniors,” Franzer Dhave S. Zita stated.

Another 1st year Social Work student also shared their positive experience with the enrollment:

“Maayos naman po ‘yung naging proseso ng enrollment. Sa una parang nakakalito pero dahil sa tulong ng mga seniors at may help desk pa, naging smooth lahat.”

In addition to enrollment, the CSSPSC also organized a campus tour to help new students become more familiar with the campus before classes begin.

The enrollment process is set to conclude on June 30, with incoming students from the Psychology and Human Services departments scheduled to enroll.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 CJ Cortez
Mikaela Valencia
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

27/06/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪: Incoming Social Work freshies are filling the halls of the College of Education building's ground floor as they queue for the first day of enrollment for Academic Year 2025-2026.

The College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC) together with Dean Nelly N. Pilao and in coordination with employees from the University Registrar, is actively assisting students throughout the process.

Enrollment began at 7:50 AM and will continue until 4:00 PM, with incoming Sociology freshies scheduled for the afternoon session.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

17/06/2025

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | The College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) has now officially released the list of President’s and Dean’s Listers for the First Semester of Academic Year 2024–2025, highlighting the academic excellence among its students. The announcement, although it has been a long wait, was still greeted by pride and excitement of the students who have met the academic criteria established by the university.

As routinely practiced, the application period for the President’s List (PL) and Dean’s List (DL) for the first semester of the academic year unlatches within the period of late February and mid-March. However, this year, as stated by the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC) Governor Angel Limbitco in an interview with The Regata, the university’s adjusted calendar of activities—altering the celebration of university days from December to early March—has thrown a wrench into the usual timelines, causing delays in the launch of the application process.

As disclosed, in mid-March, the CSSPSC, which is usually in charge of the PL/DL application procedure, formally requested for the application period to be approved, yet, the council was faced with a series of concerns that must be addressed first before they push ahead. Considerable difficulties were caused by the implementation of a new policy, as stated in a written memorandum, and the subsequent evaluation of the modified grading scheme for first-year students. If disregarded, these irregularities may have a direct effect on the final PL/DL rankings, which include the selection of the Top 25 students who could be eligible for financial grants.

Usually taking a week or longer, the PL/DL applications vetting procedure has gotten more complicated this current year. The procedure took longer than intended owing to the revised guidelines and the requirement to recalculate the General Weighted Averages (GWAs) of applicants. With this, as stated, council members are thoroughly reviewed academic records and eligibility standards to ensure that only individuals who fulfill all the criteria are listed. As part of the process, the council is not the only body that completed this step; department chairpersons are also verified that the entire roster is accurate and free of errors.

Although it has been customary to host an award ceremony for individuals who make the Dean's List and President's List, the event this year is still up in the air. Aligned with this, The CSSPSC is keeping a careful eye on the situation while considering the university community's safety and capacity to organize such events during this time of the year.

Despite the unforeseen difficulties this semester, the CSSPSC has reaffirmed its dedication in completing the application and verification process with the highest precision and impartiality. Students were asked to exercise patience while the university moves through this time of change, as the council strives to make sure that each worthy person gets the credit they earned.

Nonetheless, this is the opportune time to recognize students and their efforts to date—a moment and time to uplift and celebrate them.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Aaliyah Shane Ramos
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Janna De Guzman

15/06/2025

“𝗔 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆.”—𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻

In a Filipino household, mothers are often labeled as the "Ilaw ng Tahanan," while fathers are called "𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶 𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻,” the backbone of the family—the pillar of home. They were often seen as quiet, emotionally distant, and less affectionate towards their children. But their care for them will always be spoken through their actions more than words and affection could ever utter. Fathers would endure the tireless workload, doing their best efforts just to provide everything on the table, even if it meant being away from their beloved family.

They are the foundation that holds every corner of the house strong and firm. Telling them about the things you aspire to have, fulfilling them will be done before you know it. They set an example for their sons, teaching them to become good men. One who uses their hands–calloused–from doing hard labor. Fathers who protect their daughters as if they are the most precious diamond they could ever lay their eyes on. That's how amazing fathers show their unconditional love towards their family. That’s how they build and surround their home.

When times get rough, smiles and gestures of appreciation melt all the weariness they bear, as long as all of their efforts are seen and acknowledged. Through this, their courage is fueled to do more, to provide, to work harder than ever, not minding the dirt hugging all over their body, as long as they will still feel their family’s warm embrace as soon as they get home. Ignoring the sweat painted all over their shirts, just so their family could enjoy life healthily.

To the brothers, uncles, grandfathers, and stepfathers who stepped up to be a father figure. To those who always fixed the lights when they started to flicker. To the ones who became the pillars of their home, being the loudest and supportive during the proudest moments. To anyone who proved that being a father was not written in their genes nor bloodlines, but is written on their palm the moment they chose the responsibility of being a father. To you, a father who stood strong to be there at times when the family needed you the most.

We dedicate this day to the people who helped us shape our world. This day is a reminder to appreciate the wisdom, strength, and sacrifices that fathers give day in and day out. So, here’s to all the fathers, tatay, dads, tatang—they may be miles or seas away, whether biological or chosen—thank you for all that you do.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Pamela Kassandra Guevarra
𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Gerlyn Daphne Sison
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Gerlyn Daphne Sison

13/06/2025

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗟-𝗗𝗟 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣𝗦𝗖 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

In an anonymous post last June 10, 2025, Tuesday, on the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Freshmen 2024-2025 Facebook group, a Facebook user expressed their growing concerns over the delayed announcement of the President’s and Dean’s Listers (PL/DL) for the first semester and the absence of face-to-face (F2F) recognition ceremonies.

The application period for PL/DL for the first semester was announced as early as April 23, 2025. Hence, Intellectuals voiced concerns regarding the delays, despite other colleges having already released their lists, successfully held their face-to-face recognition ceremonies, and the academic year having concluded.

Following the anonymous post, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC) addressed the matter on Tuesday through an announcement relayed via class mayors.

In the announcement, Intellectuals were informed that the lists had already undergone the necessary process of checking and re-checking by the Local Student Council and sub-organizations, and had been forwarded to the departments’ chairpersons. However, due to recent policy changes and the request for leniency in evaluating extracurricular activities, the list is undergoing further deliberation and confirmation with the chairpersons.

The CSSPSC also addressed the queries regarding the face-to-face recognition ceremony. They stated that while necessary preparation and paperwork for the recognition and other planned events in May were completed, they had to take into account several key factors, such as ongoing thesis and project defenses across different year levels and departments, as well as mounting academic responsibilities. Given these constraints, the council highlighted that they are unable to hold a full-scale F2F recognition. They appealed for students’ understanding and cooperation as they strive to balance academic demands with the desire to celebrate achievements meaningfully.

In an interview with The Regata, several students shared their mixed feelings about the delayed postings of the list.

“Parang naisantabi ang efforts at hard work ng mga estudyante. Naiisip ko tuloy na kung nagawa ng ibang college sa DHVSU na mailabas agad ang results at magkaroon pa ng recognition day, bakit sa atin hindi? Tapos na ang academic year pero wala pa ring balita. Parang nakakawalang gana na lang siya hintayin,” shared by a first-year psychology student.

A similar thought was shared by another psychology student, “Nakakadismaya lang kase, parang motivation din kase sa mga students yan, eh.”

Some students also shared their disappointment with the delay.

“Madalas din naman delayed dati pero hindi ganito ka-late na natapos na 'yung academic year pero wala pa rin. Medyo disappointing, pero sanay na? Okay din na nagbibigay ng updates yung csspsc tungkol doon, pero nakakadisappoint pa rin,” a student from BS Sociology 2A stated.

“I felt a little bit impatient and disappointed because I was really excited to see if I made it. Nag expect kasi kami ng early post or at least hindi ganito ka late, especially when we saw na other colleges had already posted theirs, so we also hoped our college would do the same. Minsan kase patapos na yung semester, pero hindi pa [napo-post] yung para sa last sem sana,” noted by a Sociology 2B student.

Meanwhile, a BS Social Work student expressed that while updates may have been issued, these were not effectively communicated to all classes, which led to confusion and continued disappointment.

“Well, samin kasi walang naannounce din bakit delay ang posting. I hope, next time maging transparent din sa updates and timeliness. Medyo hindi na nakakaexcite yung announcement pero benefit of the doubt kasi baka super busy at for sure ginagawa naman ng paraan ng SC,” a Social Work student shared.

Meanwhile, a student from Human Services 2B stated his sentiments with a more understanding perspective.

“Honestly, I feel okay about the delay in releasing the DL/PL results for the first semester. I understand that there is a reason behind it, and I am willing to wait naman. [I have] heard the updates about it, and I’m glad that they will be releasing the results within this week,” he remarked.

Beyond the delay and uncertainties, the PL and DL recognition is more than just a list of names. It is a fruit of their dedication, resilience, and academic journey. For many, it represents the culmination of their efforts, the late nights spent studying, and the sacrifices made to excel. Many students hope that this situation will serve as a lesson for greater timeliness and transparency in future semesters.

Notably, the council assured students that the publication materials and certificates have already been prepared and will be released within this week or at the latest, next week, pending final approval.

As of this writing, no official announcement regarding the PL/DL results has been posted on the CSSPSC page.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Nicole Lagman
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Janna V. De Guzman

12/06/2025

𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝟭𝟮𝟳: 𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮

Paglaya o paglayo

Sa araw na ng ika-12 ng Hunyo taong 1898, 127 taon na ang nakakalipas nang unang iwinagayway ni dating pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo ang watawat ng Pilipinas mula sa kaniyang bintana sa kaniyang tahanan sa “Cavite el Viejo” o kilala ngayon bilang Kawit, Cavite. Ito ay sumasagisag sa paglaya ng Pilipinas sa matagal na pananakop ng mga Espanyol. Ang kalayaang ito ay bunga ng pakikipagdigmaan ng mga rebolusyonaryong Pilipino mula sa sandata hanggang sa pluma. Ang araw na ito ay isang mahalagang pag-alala sa matagumpay na paglaya ng bansa mula sa madilim na kabanata; pagmamalupit, pagpapatahimik, at pag-alis sa karapatang mag-isip. Ang araw na ito ay araw ng pagbabalik tanaw ng kabanatang nakamit ang paglaya sa madilim na ala-ala.

Matagal nang panahon ang nakalipas, isang daan at dalapu’t pito na ang nakakaraan nang nakawala sa kamay ng Espanyol ang mga Pilipino matapos ang higit 300 taong pagmamaltrato. Ang kabanatang ito ay isa nang bahagi ng kahapon na dapat nang ilayo sa ating isipan, nang sa ganoon ay makalaya na nang tuluyan ang Pilipinas sa madilim na alaala. Subalit, sa kabila ng dilim ang mga alaalang ito ay malinaw sa kabanata ng ating kasaysayan.

Kabanata 1: Ang Madilim na Kahapon. Sa kamay ng mga Espanyol, natamo ng mga Pilipino ang pagmamaltrato: Sapilitang pagsisilbi ng mga Pilipino edad 16-60 nang walang karampatang bayad —“Polo y Servicio”— . Ang pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan kung saan nawalan ng prinsipyong legal ang mga Pilipinong magsalita tungkol sa kanilang mga karapatan. Mga mahihirap na walang kakayahang ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan sa korte dahil sa mataas na bayad upang makamit ang hustisya.

Kabanata 2: Pagbibigay tanaw. Ang mga karanasang ito ay isang patunay na sa kabila ng mahabang panahong nakalipas na halos mabaon na sa hukay. Ang pagbibigay tanaw sa pagkamit ng kalayaang inaasam ng mga Pilipinong nakipaglaban, ito ay dapat bigyang pugay upang ipaalam na ang Pilipinas ay isang malayang bansa, isang bansang may mayaman sa kasaysayan, katapangan, at kasarinlan.

Kabanata 7: Matapang, Makabayan, at Makatarungan . 127 taon na ang nakalipas nang ipakita ng mga Pilipinong rebolusyonaryo ang kanilang pagkamit sa demokrasya gamit ang pagiging makabayan, katapangan, at makatarungan. Sino ang makakalimot sa pagtatayo ng "Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan." (K*K) ni Andres Bonifacio o sa nobelang El Filibusterismo ni Dr. Jose Rizal, kung ang mga ito ay sumasalamin sa katapangang ipinanalas ng mga Pilipino para makamit ang kalayaan, kung gaanon bakit ba ito ilayo sa isip ng mga tao? Kung pwede naman itong bigyan pagpupugay sa pamamagitan ng pag-alala natin sa araw ng kalayaan ng ating bayan. Kaya, ang ika-127 na anibersaryo ang kabanata ng ‘Paglaya” atin itong bigyan pagkilala at huwag lamang sa kasaysayan babasahin.

𝐈𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢 Jerome Esguerra
𝐃𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐨 𝐧𝐢 Jaine Camille Alejo
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢 Kevin T. Bacani

12/06/2025

𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘀

Amidst a society where trends such as “healing the inner child” emerge as a way to cope with unpleasant experiences from childhood, there are those who are unfortunate enough to be robbed of one. The scarcity of financial resources can lead individuals to turn towards frantic and sometimes, unethical measures, such as child labour. June 12th marks the World Day Against Child Labour, which aims to raise awareness about this particular issue. However, unlike the concurrent celebration of Independence Day, not every child will get to experience the liberty of simply being a child. As of 2023 alone, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported an estimated 678,000 child workers, which is a testament to how the country is still in need of progress when it comes to eliminating this global issue (Gasingan, 2025). Unfortunately, the presence of laws and agencies do not completely eliminate child labour in the Philippines, as it remains an apparent issue that requires the attention of the public eye.

The conditions of child labour in the Philippines persists in various sectors despite the progress made in reducing its rates every year. Primarily, the agricultural sector contributes to majority of child labour incidents worldwide, including the Philippines. Child labour not only forces children to become physically and mentally strained at such a young age, but exposure to these types of industries come with potentially life-threatening consequences and breaches to a child’s physical and psychological well-being. Numerous Filipino children are also victims of sexual exploitation for both online and physical settings, which are not sufficiently addressed by efforts made through laws or agencies (Ballescas, 2024).

Despite the presence of laws that aim to prevent and eliminate child labor, the enforcement of these rules do not eliminate the problem completely. The Republic Act 9231 builds upon the protection that the Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act aims to achieve (Supreme Court E-Library, 2004). Such laws monitor the rate of child labour by requiring working permits and strict adherence to standards, such as being at the age of 15 and above with lack of exposure to any hazardous or threatening work environments. Despite the extent of the effectiveness of these regulations in reducing the number of child labour cases per year, statistical reports cannot fully represent the number of unseen incidents in more obscure areas of the country. Various agencies, such as the Sagip Batang Manggagawa, Project Angel Tree, and Livelihood Assistance to Parents have also made efforts to halt and prevent child labour cases and child laborers’ operations. A number of nongovernmental organizations have also voluntarily dedicated their time and resources to advocate and take actions against child labour.

If such extensive efforts have already been taken by the country, why is child labour still a prominent issue today? The root of the problem lies in how certain people cling to such malicious means to combat poverty. As economic issues persist in the country, various areas that are obscured from the general public are often not reached by regulations or advocacies that can reduce child labour cases. Certain countries have taken more drastic measures by developing programs that can lessen child labour cases in the supply chain and providing support for households to discourage the need for child labour in the first place (International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor, 2021). Despite the potential effectivity that these methods could have in reducing child labour cases in the Philippines, the process of implementation will take a prolonged period which necessitates more efficient measures to be taken.

As the general public, we must take this issue into great consideration through public awareness of the cause of this commemoration. New regulations and adjustments to the industries that are prevalent of child labour cases will inevitably take more time and effort than what is needed, but the efforts of being advocates, researchers, educators, and catalysts of change can ameliorate the crisis in a shorter period of time. By spreading awareness of the illegal and immoral aspects of child labour, Filipinos can address cases appropriately in the event that they encounter a helpless child being used for profit. While some children may intrinsically desire to work for their families, they must be encouraged to follow the appropriate conditions of the aforementioned laws to ensure that their rights are protected. Parents may also be educated of the nuances and complexities of abiding with child labour regulations, to ensure that as parents, they will not be the reason of their children’s unrightful endeavor.

Although child labour remains an issue for the Philippines to handle, there are still a myriad of measures that citizens can take to spread awareness and educate themselves and others about the significance of addressing this subject. While these conditions do not allow for a more sophisticated approach, it can mitigate the existing issue to a greater extent while considering the reality that the scarcity of resources may inhibit the country from being completely free of child labour in the near future. As much as we would hope for the lack of necessity to sacrifice one’s childhood just to survive, the modern world still has a long way to go to solve such a nuanced issue that often stems from the global issue of poverty. For now, let us take the steps that are feasible and available to us to collectively promote and advocate for a profound and humane cause of ensuring that every child is not bound by shackles during their childhood.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Emmanuel Magtoto
𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Clarence Vergara
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

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