(DP 1981-05) Youth Employment in the Philippines

Abstract

This study examines the extent and nature of children and youth employment in the Philippines during the 1960s and the 1970s. Countries like the Philippines are in transition from a subsistence agrarian economy to industrial capitalism. Viewed in this perspective, the role of children in production becomes primarily a function of the existing mode of production. As work takes place away from the home involving other non-family members, the sharing of the total output is likely to be detached from the major consideration of the needs of those who contribute to the production. Unorganized, easily intimidated and exploited, children with hardly any bargaining power can be a source of cheap labor. The literature on child and youth employment in the Philippines cites the poor working conditions of child labor such as their low wages, long hours of work and poor work surroundings. The study describes the labor force participation, employment characteristics and educational background of the 10-14 year olds during the period 1961 to 1976. It also includes a case study of a sample of firms, apprentices and their parents/guardians in Metro Manila in 1979 which establishes basically the same work pattern characterized by low wages and poor working conditions of working minors, as described by earlier studies. A review to the evolution of legislation concerning the employment of children and the youth show that in 50 years, from the 1920s to 1970s, the legislation that took shape emerged to be most comprehensive and adequate. The problem lies in the grossly inadequate enforcement of these laws protecting minors implying therefore the great possibility of rampant abuses and exploitation of the working youth. The paper ends with a set of recommendations to promote child and youth welfare which gives emphasis on the great potential of government intervention towards: 1) economic development that leads to more equitable income distribution since children work primarily because of poverty; 2) providing educational opportunities to children; 3) strengthening the apprenticeship and learnership programs; 4) the serious enforcement of laws protecting working minors; and 5) influencing labor unions to take on guardianship of working minors.