DOLE allocates P7.2M, sets target early for SPES

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Iloilo Field Office allocated a P7.2 million for the implementation of the 2019 Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

SPES is an employment bridging program during Summer or Christmas Vacation that aims to augment the family’s income of poor but deserving students, out-of-school youths (OSY) or dependents of displaced workers who intend to finish their education.

Under this program, DOLE partners with employers, intermediaries and Local Government Units (LGUs) for pledges on their counterpart for the payment of the salaries of the beneficiaries.

The 2019 SPES Pledging Session for Iloilo Province was held last Nov 16, 2018 at the Penthouse of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol building and was attended by a total of 70 partners from 30 LGUs, 17 schools and 5 private companies.

Some of the most active partners of the department that participated are the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Iloilo Provincial Government, New Panay Agri-Ventures, Bancon, the municipal governments of Miag-ao, Passi City, Oton, Leganes, Cabatuan, Maasin, Pavia, Concepcion, Barotac Viejo, and Batad; John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, West Visayas State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University and the University of Iloilo PHINMA.

As a result, the amount of pledges submitted by the DOLE’s partners totaled P13.98M. This amount will fund the 60% of the salary of the SPES beneficiaries.

On DOLE’s part, the budget of P7.2M will be allocated to these partners proportionately, and will fund the remaining 40% of the salary the beneficiaries.

DOLE Iloilo Field Office aims to employ 1,091 students to be beneficiaries of the program in 2019.