By Connie Calipay | Philippine News Agency
LEGAZPI CITY – A total of 4,531 students and out-of-school youths (OSYs) in Albay received their salaries after working in government offices under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Emma P. Acuña, a DOLE-Bicol regional employment focal person, told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday (Feb. 23): “Each beneficiary receives a total of P10,500 in exchange for 20 working days. Albay provincial government paid the initial 60% of the salary amounting to P6,300 while the remaining 40% amounting to P4,200 was shouldered by the DOLE.”
She said the students rendered service from October to November last year.
Acuña noted that the agency allocated a P11.9-million budget for the region’s SPES program in 2021 and P15 million this 2022.
She also said there are 2,694 slots for new applicants for the SPES this year.
The SPES is an annual program of DOLE for the employment of marginalized but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and displaced workers during summer and Christmas vacations.
It also helps to augment the family’s income and ensure that beneficiaries can pursue their education. (With a report from Bernadine Carretas/PNA-OJT) – bny
