DOLE gains more support for SPES implementation in Zambo Sur

By Hirohito D. Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) is gaining more support from the Local Government Units (LGUs) as well as from the business community in this province.

“As of Dec. 30, this year, the pledges for 2014 had already reached to P 7.8 million compared to P 7.1 million of this year,” DOLE Provincial Officer Lourdes Amores told the Philippines News Agency.

“There are still 11 businessmen scheduled to submit their pledges in January next year,” Amores added. 

Amores said the increase of pledges from the business community is an indication of trust to the government’s program in helping poor and deserving students through the SPES.

The SPES is jointly being implemented by DOLE, LGU and business community through counter-parting scheme.

The employer shoulders 60 percent of the salary of the SPES beneficiary while the DOLE pays the remaining 40.

Amores said they expect an increase this year in the number of applicants for SPES also known as the summer job program.

This province has 2,298 beneficiary-students of SPES this year, according to Amores. (PNA)
LOR/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/JSD