For six impactful years, Building Capacity, Awareness, Advocacy and Programs (BuildCA2P) project has strengthened communities across Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, and North Cotabato by creating vital systems to protect children from labor exploitation. As we celebrate the project’s journey, we take pride in the teamwork and achievements that have left an enduring mark on child protection efforts in the Philippines.

Our recent Stakeholders’ Summit and Exit Conference highlighted the incredible collaboration among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), government agencies, and community advocates who dedicated themselves to ensuring that every child is healthy, educated, skilled, and safe as they reach for their full potential. This event was a celebration of the meaningful partnerships and shared goals that made BuildCA2P a success.

Through BuildCA2P, we developed 96 localized Child Protection Policies (CPPs) in schools and communities. With 43 of these advocacy plans already in action, schools continue to play a key role in combating child labor. These policies have created a unified referral and reporting system, ensuring effective coordination between agencies to respond swiftly to child labor cases. This ongoing network stands as a testament to the shared commitment to protecting children.

Capacity-building has also been at the heart of BuildCA2P’s work. By equipping key agencies—like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Education (DepEd)—with the skills and resources to identify and respond to child labor, the project has helped build a lasting foundation for child protection efforts nationwide. This commitment to ongoing learning and support extends to all who played a role in this initiative.

One of BuildCA2P’s proudest accomplishments is supporting 3,983 child laborers to remain in school and receive educational support. By prioritizing education as a shield against exploitation, the project has paved the way for children to achieve their potential in a safe, nurturing environment.

As BuildCA2P concludes, the relationships, knowledge, and resources it has fostered remain vital as we continue our mission to safeguard children from labor exploitation. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the United States Department of Labor, DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOLE, our local partners, and the resilient communities who have been with us every step of the way.