The Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) on Wednesday announced the suspension of application and issuance of working child permit (WCP) while the region is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
“Please be informed that the application and issuance of the Working Child Permit (are) hereby deferred until the lifting of the MECQ,” DOLE-NCR regional director Sarah Buena Mirasol said in an advisory.
The government has put Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under MECQ from August 4 to 18, to stem further spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country.
“This is in line with prioritizing the well-being of the children by limiting their movement and exposure from possible Covid-19 infections and to be in congruence with the initiatives of the government to address the increasing incidence of Covid-19 in the country,” she added.
The WCP is issued to children aged 15 years old and below who are involved in public entertainment or information.
Labor Advisory No. 23, Series of 2020 mandates DOLE regional offices to “issue internal guidelines on the manner of accepting applications and release of working child permit” for children under 15 years who are engaged in work related to public entertainment or information, in compliance with community quarantine protocols in the country.
WCP applications should be filed online and five days before the shoot or activity.
It should be submitted through the regional office’s e-filing services at https//ncr.dole.gov.ph or through this link address https://tinyurl.com/application-for-wcp. (PNA)