Dipolog City - Afterhaving been identified as barangay with child laborers, Upper Gutalac intensifies its campaign to eliminate child labor at their barangay to earn the title "Child Labor-Free Barangay" before this year ends. The Department of Labor and EmploymentZamboanga Del Norte Field Office (DOLE- ZDNFO) conducted an orientation on R.A. 9231 known as Elimination for the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Affording Stronger Protection for the Working Child and planning workshop for a child labor-free barangay last July 22, 2016 at the barangays' covered court to liberate Upper Gutalac from being a "low hanging" barangay.

Our partner agencies, the ChildFund, the Municipal LGU of Gutalac headed by Barangay Chairwoman Evangeline Coma, Barangay LGU Upper Gutalac and other government agencies such as the MSWD, PNP, Municipal Health Office, and the parents of the child laborers of Upper Gutalac had shown their support by actively participating in the workshop and signing of the commitment to eliminate child labor at the barangay in addition to their respective agency commitment of support to be signed by their respective agency (local) head/chief which will be submitted to this Office.

Gutalac Mayor Onesimo Coma graced the affair with his message of appreciation to everyone for their amazing cooperation. He also expressed his words of encouragement to his constituents to continuously help the barangay to successfully implement its programs.

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Lyra R Paulino