Reporter's Notebook: Pasan-Pasang Pangarap (The Weight of a Dream)

Описание: Teenagers Marvin, Bonbon and Jayven trek up and down the mountains of Quezon, Philippines for more than 3 hours at a time, carrying sacks of charcoal. Their thin bodies have been hardened by backbreaking labor in the desire to help their families. These children trek barefoot along muddy paths to the valley where buyers await to hand over a few coins. After delivering the heavy sacks, they each receive a measly P25 ($0.50).

The International Labour Organization notes that there are an estimated 168 million child laborers in the world. In the Philippines, there are 2.1 million child workers aged 5 to 17, many of whom are found in the agricultural sector.

Child laborers are exposed to hazardous working conditions that affect their health, hindering them from completing their education and jeopardizing their chances for a better future. Children continue to work in dangerous environments with no or limited protective equipment. A recently released US report likewise listed 13 Philippine goods believed to be produced through child labor.

Despite their situation, Marvin, Bonbon and Jayven are determined to finish their studies. They have been saving their coins to buy school supplies and make it to the opening of classes.

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