100 studes in Zambo Sur benefit from youth employment program

Some 100 qualified college students from various tertiary schools in Zamboanga del Sur province are set to benefit from the labor department’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

According to DOLE regional office IX, the student beneficiaries have undergone orientation and had signed a contract for their employment last week at the Zamboanga del Sur provincial capitol.

SPES is DOLE’s youth employment-bridging program which aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer and/or Christmas vacation or any time of the year to augment the family’s income to help ensure that beneficiaries are able to pursue their education.

DOLE Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that each student will receive P503.00 per day for 20 days of work in various offices where they will be assigned. Of the wages they will receive, 60% will be shouldered by the provincial government while the remaining 40% will be disbursed by DOLE 9.

“For the safety of the students, SPES applicants below 21 years old and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities or other health risks are prohibited from participating in the said program,” Buenafe said, citing advisories that outlined the guidelines for the implementation of the program in areas under MGCQ or GCQ.

“Also, employers are advised to provide flexible work arrangements for the students or to strictly ensure that beneficiaries fulfil only desk work or related tasks that will not require them to travel or stay outside for an indefinite period of time,” he added.

PESO Officer Ameliano Himang expressed his gratitude to DOLE 9 and Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu and Congresswoman Divina Grace Yu for the support afforded to the program.