CHAPTER 1

/The Problem and Its Scope/

1.1 Introduction

The situation of child labor in the Philippines remains one of its

major growing concerns. Child labor is defined as any work or economic

activity that puts a child under exploitation or is hazardous to his or her

health, safety, physical, mental, and emotional development. (DOLE

defines child labor-related terms. Department of Labor and Employment.

(2012, June 26). Retrieved April 9, 2022, from

https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dole-provides-definition-of-child-labor-

related-terms/. DOLE provides a definition of child labor-related terms/).

Esguerra (2002) analyzed what causes child labor in the Philippines.

Based on his study, financial constraints, inability to fulfill primary needs

due to family size, and availability of child work are the three main

reasons that influence a household's decision to allow a child to work.

Another concern that correlates with the issue is the significant drop in the

quality of the academic performance of Filipino learners in the last few

decades. Varied researchers provide evidence that conflict does indeed

reside between child labor and academic performance.

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There was a clear deterioration from 2013 to 2019. The

Philippines’ scores decreased by 61 points (from 358 in 2003 to 297) and

by 83 points (from 332 in 2003 to 249) in mathematics and science

achievement respectively. Neil. (2021, June 22). Addressing the Philippine

Education Crisis. BusinessWorld Online. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from

https://www.bworldonline.com/addressing-the-philippine-education-crisis/

In a study conducted by Halgadoa, et al., (2014) concludes that there are

several factors related to child labor that lead to poor performance. The

study showed that labor conditions, the number of weekly hours dedicated

to work, and the presence of work scheduled in the morning negatively

affected the academic performance of child laborers. According to the

Philippine Statistics Authority, published last December 15, 2021, of the

total population of children aging 5-17 years old, about 2.8% were already

working. Why these numbers are concerning is mainly because a

country’s economic progression highly relies on the youth to exude and

perform well academically, economically, and socially.

In the area of interest, Pagadian City is home to 210,452 people.

The mayor of the city, Sammuel Co launched a program “Child Labor-

Free sa Kagawaran” which aims to mitigate cases of child labor in the city.

A certain case was when they convinced 41 children previously working

at the Pagadian Integrated Bus Terminal to quit. 21 of them were

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“children-at-risk of becoming child laborers” while the rest dropped out of

school to prioritize working and providing additional financial

opportunities. With the help of certain organizations such as DOLE,

DepEd, DILG, and the municipal associations, 14 child workers were put

back on their educational journey. Dole, Kinilala Ang Pagadian City Sa

Suporta Sa Kampanya tungo sa child labor-free barangay: Govph. Official

Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (2012, September 25).

Retrieved April 10, 2022, from

https://mirror.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/09/25/dole-kinilala-ang-

pagadian-city-sa-suporta-sa-kampanya-tungo-sa-child-labor-free-

barangay/. Despite these efforts, over the years, working children are still

seen in various areas in the city.

In this light, the researchers decided to conduct the study to

establish the root causes of child labor within to locale and provide

suggestions for dealing with said issue. This study also aims to spread

awareness by displaying the perceptions and personal experiences of the

selected respondents living in the city.

1.2 Theoretical/Conceptual Framework of the Study

Figure 1: A theoretical framework showing how sets of independent and

intervening variables influence child performance in class.

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Independent Variables Intervening Variables Dependent Variable

Parental Social Side effects of child

Economic status labor

Parental Income •Tardiness in school

Child Labor
•Absenteeism
Ignorance of the
•Lack of concentration
consequences of child
in school
labor
Ineffective

enforcement of
Compulsory
legal provisions
Performance in class
on
1.3 Statement of the Problem

This study investigates is the impact of child labor on the academic performance

of learners.

1.3.1 Research Questions

1. What main causes or factors attribute students to engage in child labor?

2. What are the negative effects of child labor on one’s academic performance?

3. How can we assess or help mitigate their situation?

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1.3.2 General Objective

The general objective of the study is to establish the effects of child labor on the

academic performance of the selected pupils and students in Pagadian City.

1.3.3 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study:

1. To establish the causes of child labor.

2. To examine the negative effects of child labor on the academic performance

of the selected pupils and students.

3. To suggest possible ways to mitigate child labor among school children.

1.3.4 Statement of the Hypotheses

1. Child labor will not significantly affect the learners' academic

performances.

2. Child labor can affect learners' performance in class negatively

1.4 Significance and Purpose of the Study

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Through the overall exploration of this study on child labor, the

effects of these activities on the academic performance of the selected

learners will be examined and emphasized. Moreover, this research will

suggest solutions to the urgent problem of child labor.

In this regard, this study will provide findings that might be used

by the policymakers as a guide on issues regarding child labor on

academic performance. The outcome may raise public consciousness

about the problem of child labor and will sensitize the community to the

learners who are child laborers.

Specifically, this research will benefit the following:

Parents. The parents may be enlightened by the findings of this study

about the negative effects of these activities on the academic performance

of their children and consider programs that may help ensure their

children's futures are not stolen by labor exploitation.

Administrators. The government may use the data to implement policies

meant to stamp out child labor.

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Community. This study spreads public understanding in the community

and may help in creating an environment that cares for all children.

Children. The children will benefit from this study as its findings may

urge them to stay in school and work towards their well-being.

Researchers. The findings of this study will push for new paradigms which

will be useful for future researchers and may lead to a more thorough

analysis of it.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The general intent of this study is to determine the impact of child

labor on the academic performance of the selected pupils and students.

The selection of the respondents is 18 years old below and limited to only

8 child workers. The selected respondents will be interviewed at Purok

Bakhaw B, Kawit, Pagadian City.

In this study, the researchers will take the respondent’s opinions on

how they see the negative effects of child labor on their academic

performance and gather their opinions regarding the research questions

through the use of interviews which will be recorded for further

verification and documentation.

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1.6 Definition of Terms

Academic performance- Academic performance is a measure of student

achievement in various subjects and is measured through exams and tests.

In a given session, high academic performance means a student is

qualifying for the honor roll

Child- According to the Republic Act No. 9433, otherwise known as the

Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, a child refers to any human

being below 18 years.

Child Labor- This is when a child does any type of work that deprives

children of their childhood and hinders their development