CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- At least 2,327 scholars under the provincial government’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) finally got their summer job pay on Wednesday, June 21, amounting to P25.6-million.
The distribution of the scholars’ salaries was facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) through the Public Employment Service Office (Peso) at the Bren Guiao Convention Center here.
Peso chief Luningning Vergara said the scholars and members of SPES came from the four districts of the province and had worked for 20 days in their own barangay last summer in exchange for P8,600 as their salary.
Donna Buzon, a SPES beneficiary from a barangay in Guagua, said they were tasked to survey every household, conduct census on the number of family members and businesses operating in their area, including schools, and collate data on common diseases in their village through the help of the barangay health centers.
Dole-Central Luzon Chief Arlene Tolentino, meanwhile, said not all of the beneficiaries received the full amount as some have not submitted the necessary requirements to the Dole office.
Of the total 3,405 scholars, only 2,327 got their full pay. The remaining 1,078 have yet to complete the additional supporting papers.
“Some lack supporting papers,” explained Tolentino.
She urged the beneficiaries to be always vigilant and accurate in submitting the necessary documents to avoid delays.
No payback
In her message, Governor Lilia Pineda said she is not expecting any payback from the scholars but is hoping for them to finish their studies so they could land jobs, help their family and uplift their well-being.
The lady governor also promised the student scholars that they will be continuously supported by the Provincial Government with the help of the Provincial Board.
The board has already approved the P28-milliom budget for scholars to augment their needs, Pineda said.
The distribution of the salaries was led by the vice governor, and assisted by board members Rosve Henson, Paul Balingit, Salvador Dimson, Cherry Manalo, Nelson Calara, and Benjamin Jocson together with their Dole counterpart Tolentino and division chief Alex Insacruz.
For the convenience of the beneficiaries, Land Bank staff were also present to assist in the pay off of their checks. (PR)