ILOILO CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated more than PHP35.26 million for this year’s implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students in Western Visayas.
DOLE Assistant Regional Director Salome O. Siaton on Tuesday said the program stands to benefit some 11,019 beneficiaries across the region.
These are commitments made by participating local government units (LGUs) and private companies that have signified their intention to participate in the program.
Siaton said that the highest beneficiaries are from Negros Occidental with 3,805; Iloilo (3,007); Antique (1,463); Capiz (1,176); Aklan (1,016); and Guimaras (552).
In general, 40 percent of the salary will be DOLE’s share while 60 percent will come from partners.
However, a new guideline allows DOLE to shoulder 100 percent of the salary depending on the capacity to pay of the LGU or the sponsoring company.
“DOLE can handle 100 percent if they fall within the very poor municipalities,” she said.
Each beneficiary is entitled to not less than 20 working days.
The program targets deserving children of indigent families from 15 to 30 years old. It is open to in-school or out-of-school youths who intend to enroll in the next school year. (Perla Lena/PNA)
