AsiaDHRRA’s RISE-Up project has conducted a Youth Camp Training of Trainers (ToT) in coordination with its partner organizations, the Kaanib Foundation and Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), on April 27-29, 2025, at San Fernando Eco-Park, San Fernando, Bukidnon. The training has empowered young rural youth participants and representatives from Rural People’s Organizations (RPOs) from the municipalities of Lugawon and San Jose Bahani in San Fernando, Bukidnon, Asuncion, and Kapalong in Davao del Norte, and South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur.
With over 103 youth participants, the event focused on providing rural youths with the essential knowledge and skills to lead awareness campaigns, collaborate with various stakeholders, and use digital platforms to advocate child labor concerns and increase positive outreach to influence public attitudes. Topics on childhood protection against child labor were emphasized based on existing laws at the national and global levels, including the recent programs initiated by the Philippine governments, particularly from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as implemented by the local government units (LGUs).
In addition, the activities employed interactive sessions of youth participation in digital storytelling, mobile photography, and basic social media strategies that emphasize local advocacy at the community or grassroots levels.
The workshop has also conducted an advocacy video-making competition reflecting the actual situation of child labor, produced and submitted by the youth camp’s participants. The winners were classified as follows:
- Grand Winner: Bug-At Nga Pangandoy from Young Rural Youths of Asuncion (Cluster 2), Davao del Norte
- Most Inspiring Storytelling: Bug-At Nga Pangandoy from Young Rural Youths of Asuncion (Cluster 2), Davao del Norte
- Best Video Production: Young Rural Youths of Kapalong (Cluster 2), Davao del Norte
- Best Advocacy Message: Young Rural Youths of Asuncion (Cluster 1), Davao del Norte
- People’s Choice Award (most reactions based on Facebook): Bug-At Nga Pangandoy from Young Rural Youths of Asuncion (Cluster 2), Davao del Norte
Watch the video clips through this LINK
Similarly, the youth camp has carried out minor competitions in the following:
- Best photo (social media posting): Young Rural Youths of FAMELIK, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur
- Best caption (social media posting): Young Rural Youths of FAMELIK, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur
- Best in Cheering and Yells: Young Rural Youths of Kapalong (Cluster 1), Davao del Norte
- Best Presenter: Young Rural Youths of Asuncion (Cluster 1), Davao del Norte
- Most Disciplined and Organized Group: Young Rural Youths of Asuncion (Cluster 1), Davao del Norte
Hosted by implementing partner Kaanib Foundation Inc., the gathering served as a key component to RISE-UP Project on “Harnessing CSO Capacities for Eliminating Child Labor Action through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Agri-Entrepreneurship”, an EU-funded initiative that emphasizes strengthening local advocacy, promoting child-friendly farming environments, and fostering sustainable livelihood opportunities.
