WITH Metro Manila under the modified enhanced community quarantine, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – National Capital Region has temporarily stopped issuing working permits for child actors below 15 years old.
In an advisory, DOLE-NCR Director Sarah Mirasol said there will be no working child permit that shall be issued for those in the public entertainment or information sector while NCR is under MECQ.
“Pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 60-A that placed the National Capital Region under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) from 4 to 18 August 2020, please be informed that the application and issuance of the Working Child Permit is hereby deferred until the lifting of MECQ,” Mirasol said in an advisory.
Aside from adhering to the IATF protocol, she said the temporary suspension will protect children from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“This is in line with prioritizing the well-being of the children by limiting their movement and exposure from possible COVID-19 infections,” Mirasol said.
Back in June, the DOLE said a child below 15 may be allowed to participate in public entertainment or information during the community quarantine period provided that the child’s performance of the assigned task, such as photo shoot or audio-video recording, shall be done in the child’s home.
Before engaging the services of a child below 15, DOLE said the employer must secure a permit from their field office.
