DOLE’s SPES Benefits 13,287 Students in Central Visayas

At least 13,287 students in Central Visayas have benefited from the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 7.

The program has produced 17 graduates last year, the DOLE 7 said.

In a statement, DOLE 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said the SPES is a bridging employment program that enhances the employability of young student-workers.

It also brings education and employment closer to poor but deserving student-beneficiaries, he said.

Under SPES, a student-beneficiary gets paid a minimum wage in which 40 percent, in the form of a voucher will be paid by DOLE to pay the needed school fees, be it in secondary, tertiary, vocational or technical educational institution.

The other 60 percent will be shouldered by the student’s employer.

Of the beneficiaries of the program, Jake Roel Bocao, was able to finish college and, at the same time, expose himself to tasks that helped him become mature, earn an experience in a real workplace and face real life situations.

“My SPES assignment as a clerical aide at the Municipal Hall of Tabuelan exposed me to dealing with other potential SPES beneficiaries like myself. Moving from one place to another to do interview, I came to face the sad economic reality of other people, something harsher than what I and my family had been through,” Bocao said.

He said his assignment at the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Office was meaningful because he was able to provide assistance and address queries of poor students who also deserve to benefit from DOLE’s SPES.

Last year, Bocao graduated cum laude at Cebu Technological University where he earned a degree in education.

He now works as a teacher in English Fellas, an English as a Second Language (ESL) School. (PNA) FFC/EB/SSC