Breaking the Chains: Restoring Hope and Health to Rescued Child Laborers in Pasig City | The Medical City

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Breaking the Chains: Restoring Hope and Health to Rescued Child Laborers in Pasig City

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas | April 10, 2025

Breaking the Chains: Restoring Hope and Health to Rescued Child Laborers in Pasig City

Through a powerful public-private partnership, The Medical City and key organizations united to provide vital healthcare services and hope to 60 rescued child laborers in Pasig City, paving the way for a brighter, more compassionate future.

Child labor is a blight on society, stealing childhoods and jeopardizing the future of countless young lives. In Pasig City, a beacon of hope shines through a collaborative effort to restore health and dignity to rescued child laborers. 

Batang Malaya event last March 19, 2024

 On March 19, 2024, a continuation of the unique partnership between The Medical City, government agencies , and non-profit organizations brought together a team of medical professionals to provide vital healthcare services to 60 children freed from the shackles of exploitation. This initiative, undertaken as part of the city's observance of International Youth Day , exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing this critical social issue. 

 The Medical City, through its Human Capital Management Group, Institute of Pediatrics, Eye and Vision Institute, and Akbay Ginhawa Foundation, joined forces with the Pasig Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (PTIPC), Pasig City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region PAPAMAMARISAN Office to provide comprehensive medical assessments. 

 The day began with a brief program attended by distinguished guests, including City officials and representatives from partner organizations. The focus then shifted to the children – child laborers aged 6 to 17 – as volunteer doctors from The Medical City conducted a series of health checks, including safety assessments, physical examinations, and free eye health consultations." 

 “The Medical City, embodying the spirit of 'Malasakit' – compassion and empathy – pledges its support to the victims of child labor in Pasig. We recognize the physical and emotional toll it takes, and we are committed to providing the necessary medical attention to heal the wounds of these innocent souls” says Dr. Ruben Kasala, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of The Medical City Ortigas.  

 Twelve-year-old Jose (name changed for privacy) had never seen a doctor before this day. He had spent the past two years laboring in the wet market, enduring chronic headaches and debilitating fatigue. The medical examination revealed severe anemia and malnutrition. Thanks to the swift intervention of The Medical City's dedicated medical team, Jose received the necessary treatment and nutritional support, bringing a glimmer of hope back into his life. 

 This initiative stands out for its innovative approach, bringing together diverse expertise and resources to address the multifaceted needs of these vulnerable children. By going beyond simply providing medical care, the project aims to lay the foundation for a brighter future, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. 

Batang Malaya event last August 11, 2023

The success of this first phase last August 11, 2023, wherein 36 rescued children were given medical attention paved the way for a second phase of the program, extending a lifeline to 60 more rescued child laborers. The Batang Malaya project serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of public-private partnerships, fostering a culture of empathy and demonstrating that together, we can break the chains of child labor and build a more just and equitable society. 


About The Medical City

The Medical City is the Philippines’ largest integrated healthcare network. It is composed of one flagship complex in Ortigas, five provincial hospitals (Clark, Laguna, Iloilo, Pangasinan, and Guam), and over 70 clinics nationwide. Annually, it serves over 2 million outpatients and 33,000 inpatients across the system.

With multiple Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditations, global benchmark certifications, and continued investment in innovation, The Medical City is building a healthcare system not just for today — but for the future of Filipino care.

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