Kids in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City are in murky seawater to get at buri tree trunks which they use to make brooms. They seem to be unaware of the existence of acids in the buri tree trunks which can adversely affect their skin. The National Statistics Office says that there are currently some 5.5 million child laborers aged 5-17-years in the country. Around 3 million of these children are exposed to hazardous environments. (Juan Carlo de Vela)
