THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved on Monday a resolution condemning the employment of minors in establishments that serve alcoholic beverages and offer adult entertainment, following alarming reports of child exploitation in parts of the province.

Principally authored by Fourth District Board Member Marinor de Guzman, Provincial Resolution No. 445-2025 calls for the strict enforcement of national child protection laws and more aggressive measures to prevent the exploitation of minors in the entertainment industry.

De Guzman, in presenting the resolution during the regular session on November 24, said recent reports from various communities showed a disturbing pattern of minors being illegally employed in bars and similar establishments. She stressed that such acts “directly endanger the safety, dignity, and future” of Pangasinan’s children.

“It is imperative that we take immediate and decisive action,” De Guzman said.

She also stressed that “the provincial government of Pangasinan must send a strong message that exploitation of minors will never be tolerated.”

During deliberations, Fourth District Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario proposed refining the wording of the resolution to clearly identify the types of establishments being condemned. Instead of using the general term “bars,” Rosario suggested specifying “establishments that serve alcoholic beverages and offer adult entertainment” to avoid ambiguity. De Guzman accepted the amendment.

Before final approval, De Guzman also moved to include all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as co-sponsors of the resolution—an amendment likewise adopted without objection. (Eva Visperas)