Some 200 students and out-of-school youth in North Cotabato are now beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year.
Provincial Human Resource and Management Officer Aurora Garcia noted that 150 SPES beneficiaries who belong to the first batch started reporting for work on April 10 and will complete their contract on May 22 while the second batch will be working from June 13 to July 2, 2017.
“The SPES beneficiaries have met all the requirements last March and subsequently passed the interview conducted by the Provincial Human Resource and Management Office before they were finally accepted to work at the provincial capitol or municipal local government units (LGUs) where they reside,” Garcia noted.
The student-beneficiaries will receive daily compensation or wage of P260 which will be paid by the provincial government or the LGU and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under a 60-40 scheme. Apart from the salary, they will also have the chance to attend trainings or seminars at the provincial capitol if deemed necessary and join other work- related activities within the 30-day period of SPES employment.
During the orientation and contract signing, Reynalin Nicolas, Administrative Officer V-PHRMO explained the stipulations of the agreement between the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the SPES beneficiaries.
She also emphasized that for years, the provincial government has actively partnered with the DOLE in the implementation of the program which resulted to the employment of many students and OSY, thus helping many families cope with the expenses during enrolment.
“The provincial government has been instrumental in helping out the youth to have a meaningful summer vacation by employing them and imparting to them the value of hard work, perseverance and dedication as well as developing their skills and other potentials,” Nicolas stated.
For her part, Governor Emmylou Mendoza said the youth plays a crucial role in the development of the society. She assured that her leadership will continue to look into the interest and welfare of the students and OSY. (SJDuerme-PIA12)
