A TOTAL of P13.454 million was recently released by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to student beneficiaries under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).
The program was in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Pampanga.
The SPES is an employment bridging program during summer or Christmas vacation that aims to augment the family’s income of poor but deserving students.
Under the program, the Dole shoulders 40 percent of the salaries of beneficiaries, while their employers - government agencies, such as local government units, and private companies and other sponsor institutions - pay the 60 percent.
The SPES program implementation has always been successful through the continued support of Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Dole regional director Zenaida-Angara Campita said.
“The Provincial Public Employment Services Office’s (PESO) close coordination and efforts together with our major stakeholders and partner government and private agencies have greatly contributed to the success of the SPES Program. Without our partners, we would never have achieved the success implementation of this program,” Campita added.
SPES beneficiary Antonette Mallari, a BS Accounting Information System student of the Don Honorio Ventura State University said the SPES program is beneficial especially for students who would like to gain work experience.
“Ibibigay ko po sa nanay ko yung pera, para siya na po ang bahalang mag budget sa gagamitin ko sa aking pag-aaral (I will give the money to my mom as she is the one taking care of the budgeting for my schooling),” Mallari added.
Meanwhile, Purisima Catangan, mother of SPES beneficiary Jean Claude Catangan of Holy Cross Acamemy in Sta. Ana town said that the DOLE program elevates their morale as it reaches the underprivileged members of society.
Purisima, who always accompanies her son from processing to salary claims, expressed thanks that the process was in order and easy especially for a 58 year old woman like her.
“Salamat po sa DOLE. Sana po ay mas marami pa kayong matulungan (Thank you to DOLE. I hope you can help many more),” she added.
Technical Support and Services Division for Employment and Welfare Director II and chief Alex Inza Cruz was in close coordination with the PESO during the entire salary distribution program.
He said that the student beneficiaries age limit range from 15-30 years old and who worked 20-78 days. Students must also have an average passing grade to avail the program, he added.
The SPES has been an annual employment program for students to immerse in government and private partners so as to hone their sense of leadership and public service. (PR)