Various task forces from areas with high prevalence of child labor met on June 17-19, 2009 in Cebu City for a three-day Child Labor Education Task Force (CLETF) First General Assembly organized by ERDA that aimed to inspire people to continue upholding child labor education as a priority issue; to give an update on the national child labor situation in the country; and reviewed relevant laws protecting children.

It was attended by more than 40 representatives including parents, school officials, child leaders who are members of Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA), and local leaders including Conception, Ilolilo Mayor Elizabeth Salcedo.

ABK2 is a priority project of ERDA funded by the United States Department of Labor that aims to sustainably reduce the practice of child labor in the Philippines. The project is implemented by World Vision Development Foundation, ChildFund International (formerly known as Christian Children’s Fund), and ERDA.

CLETFs hopes to contribute to the attainment of the goal of the Philippine Time-Bound Program (PTBP) by reducing all forms of child labor to 75% by 2015.  

The event was funded by European Child Right Advocate groups Les Amis des Enfants du Monde (AEM), ERDA Belgique and ERDA Centre Europe.