THE Mabalacat City Government and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) have released P10.1 million for some 1,000 students who were employed during their vacation.

The students will have a chance to continue their studies this year through the implementation of this expanded or year-round Special Program for the Employment of Students (Spes).

Mayor Cris Garbo said each student received a salary of P9,000.

The beneficiaries, who were Grades 10 to 12 and college students, were assigned to various offices as clerks in the city hall and barangay halls.

Garbo, together with his daughter Councilor Krizannel Garbo, led the distribution of checks amounting to P10,127,860.

Bernard De Los Reyes, Public Employment Services Office (Peso) head, said the local government shared P8,599,124, while Dole contributed P1,528,736 to complete the P10 million funds for the program.

Garbo encouraged the Spes beneficiaries to pursue their studies and continue learning. He also reminded them to spend their hard earned money wisely.

He said those who possess various skills and have higher education have a better chance of getting employed.

Garbo also reminded the students that "it is equally important to have good character and work attitude."

Staff from the Treasurer's Office and Peso assisted the mayor in the facilitation of the program.

Spes is a bridging mechanism that enables student beneficiaries to gain skills and workplace experience.

It responds to President Rodrigo Duterte's 22-Point Labor and Employment Agenda, which calls Dole to work with relevant government agencies in order to enhance social protection programs.