Recently, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. IV-A through its Laguna Provincial Office (DOLE-LPO), headed by its Provincial Director Guido R. Recio conducted the Assessment and Planning Workshop for PESO Managers of Laguna relative to the 2023 implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) at the DOLE-LPO, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna.

Nineteen (19) PESO managers from the municipalities of Santa Cruz, Lumban, Famy, Santa Maria, Kalayaan, Paete, Pangil, Pakil, Mabitac, Los Baños, Nagcarlan, Pila, Bay, Cities of San Pedro, Biñan, Calamba, and Provincial Government of Laguna as well as private entities like McDonalds Calamba and Luzonian Center of Excellence for Science and Technology participated and ensured to harmonize the smooth implementation of the program.

SPES is a youth employment-bridging program of the DOLE in partnership with Local Government Units (LGU) which aims to provide temporary employment to augment the family’s income and help ensure that the beneficiaries are able to pursue their education.

A total of PHP 34,735,652.60 in pledges will bankroll the program to 3,227 beneficiaries who are identified to be poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth and dependents of displaced or would be displaced workers. DOLE-LPO and the LGU agreed to prioritize graduating students in the recruitment and selection of beneficiaries.

The SPES beneficiaries will be employed for a minimum of 20 days to a maximum of 78 working days where participating LGU or private employers pay 60% of their salary while the DOLE pays the 40% share based on the applicable minimum wage in the area.

DOLE-LPO Provincial Employment Focal Person, Daisy G. Ramos, expressed her gratitude to the participating LGUs for their enthusiastic commitment.

“Enrolled din sila sa GSIS with Government Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) coverage up to 1 year kahit 20-35 days lang ang pagiging SPES beneficiary nila. Magiging napakalaking tulong nito lalu na sa mga bata.” Ramos added.

The Department encouraged participating employers and stakeholders to help empower the youth through tasks and responsibilities that will teach them critical thinking, problem-solving and other relevant skills.

Aside from income augmentation to the family, the program also aims to provide the youth with valuable experience for better school-to-work transition.


by:

JOHN PAUL S. DAWIS
LEO III - LIO