Use contraceptive funds to solve child labor woes

The government was urged to use the funds allocated for contraceptives to solve the high incidence of child labor in the country. “Instead of buying condoms, the government must use the funds to provide worthy programs for the employment of the parents of these working children,” said Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

Palma said he was saddened when he heard that the government had funds for the distribution of contraceptives when there were other “urgent issues” that needed attention.

“We should address urgent issues first rather than providing deficient solutions, which are not really the answer to the problem,” said Palma.

The Church leader suggested that the government roll out programs that would create better employment for parents to curb the prevalence of child labor in the country.

He also questioned whether buying condoms to be distributed to Filipino couples was really an “honest-to-goodness” solution to the problem of child labor, among other important issues challenging the country.- ( Inquirer)