The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 5 has allotted PHP14.2 million for the implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in 2025, benefiting over 3,000 students across the Bicol Region.
According to DOLE Labor Information Officer Johana Gasga, the program aims to support 3,019 qualified student-beneficiaries this year. Under a counterpart scheme, 40 percent of each participant’s salary will be shouldered by DOLE, while the remaining 60 percent will be covered by partner employers.
“The objective is to help underprivileged but deserving students, including out-of-school youth, pursue and continue their education,” Gasga said in Filipino.
SPES, created under Republic Act No. 7323 and amended by RA 9547, encourages the employment of students in government offices during school breaks. Participants are required to work for a minimum of 20 days and a maximum of 52 days within a year.
“Although SPES is an employment program, we also encourage students to focus on their studies. That’s why the work period is limited to summer and Christmas vacations, allowing them to be productive while still prioritizing their education,” she added.
DOLE will also monitor the working conditions of participating students and conduct orientations for employers to ensure proper implementation of the program.
Claire Magsakay, a 22-year-old graduating student from Legazpi City and a five-time SPES beneficiary, credited the program for easing her financial challenges and building her workplace confidence.
“SPES has helped me by reducing my financial struggles in school. Through this program, I have also gained knowledge and confidence in working at government offices,” she said.
Daphnie Delloro, a 19-year-old literature student from Bicol University, echoed similar sentiments.
“This is very important to me as a student. It gives me an idea of how to work and, at the same time, allows me to help my parents financially,” she said.
On March 26, around 403 students from various schools in Albay attended a SPES orientation organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and DOLE at the Albay Astrodome. The deployment of student workers is scheduled from May 2 to 30 in their respective barangays.