CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA is targeting 1,500 students to get temporary employment this vacation season through its Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in the entire region this year.
Of the total target beneficiaries, 405 are in Oriental Mindoro, 345 in Occidental Mindoro, 165 in Marinduque, 345 in Romblon, and 240 in Palawan.
The Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC) took the lead as the first implementing institution in Oriental Mindoro.
In partnership with DWCC’s Job Placement Office (DWCC-JPO), DOLE conducted an orientation for 16 qualified college students, marking the kickoff of the program’s implementation in the province.
The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) is a program initiated by the DOLE. It aims to provide employment opportunities to students who want to earn money during their summer vacation.
SPES aims to help students from low-income families to finance their education while gaining work experience.
The program requires private and public sector employers to hire students as temporary employees during the summer break, with the employers to pay 60 percent of the students’ salaries, while DOLE will pay the remaining 40 percent.
For private establishments, the employer shall pay the SPES beneficiary based on minimum daily wage in the region.
Sheena Maisie G. Sangalang, one of the program beneficiaries, shared her appreciation for the program, saying “I am confident that the program will help me gain valuable knowledge about government work. The SPES program of DOLE will also provide financial support for me as a student.”
Meanwhile, DWCC JPO manager Bernardo R. Collera emphasized the value of the opportunity, stressing “Be grateful that you are qualified for SPES. It’s a chance to grow and learn. We commend DOLE for their continued efforts in supporting students in need.”
The 16 DWCC students officially started their 40-day employment in various offices on March 10 and will end on May 8, 2025.
DOLE encourages more students to visit their nearest Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to know on how to avail of the program. (JRR-OJT/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
