625 Bohol students get SPES payout

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Some 625 students under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) here received their salary from the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) on Oct. 8 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

The PGBh through the Bohol Employment and Placement Office Public Employment Service Office (BEPO-PESO) facilitated the payout of 60 percent of the beneficiaries’ wages, amounting to P7,091 for 20 days of work.

SPES is jointly implemented by the PGBh and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help poor but deserving students and out-of-school youth to pursue their education by providing them income through employment.

Under Republic Act No. 9547 or the Expanded SPES law, the provincial government pays 60 percent of the salary of each of the students while the remaining 40 percent is paid by the DOLE.

Gences Ian Lord Galgo, a SPES beneficiary, is thankful for the summer job experience.

He said the program allowed him to hone his skills, discover his abilities, realize his potential, and build lifelong relationships.

He also stressed the bigger role that he and his fellow students play in the growth and development of the community.

On behalf of BEPO-PESO head Vilma Yorong, Manpower Development officer Gay Manolong welcomed the SPES students during the payout ceremonies.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, represented by Supervising Administrative Officer Metodio Maraguinot Jr., congratulated the students on completing the SPES program.

He emphasized that more than the opportunity to earn, the summer job program provides an opportunity to enhance the students’ readiness for the real world.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Tita Baja also delivered an inspirational message and encouraged the students to work hard to achieve their dreams of a better future.

She shared her own experience as a student when she helped out her parents with farm work and reminded the students to thank their parents for their guidance and sacrifices.

The SPES program, which aims to help support students who are intent on finishing their education, is a priority of the Aumentado administration, according to Baja.

Stipulated under Republic Act No. 7323, known as the “Special Program for Employment of Students,” as amended by Republic Act No. 9547 and 10917, SPES is a government initiative designed to provide temporary employment opportunities for financially challenged students to keep them in school and finish their education by allowing them to work and make their school break productive.

The program aims to help students earn extra income to support their education expenses while gaining valuable work experience in various industries and agencies. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The SPES program of the Provincial Government of Bohol ended with the payment of salaries on Oct. 8 at the Ceremonial Hall in the Capitol. The SPES program aims to help students earn additional income to support their educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience in various industries and agencies. (PiMO photo)