ZAMBOANGA CITY- The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to employ 723 deserving students in Zamboanga City, providing them with temporary employment opportunities and bridging the way to a brighter future.

The DOLE Zamboanga City Field Office (DOLE-ZCFO) and LGU-Zamboanga City thru its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) headed by PESO Manager Mr. Jerico Bustamante, jointly conducted the SPES Orientation to the 723 student-beneficiaries on July 17, 2023 at the Gymnasium of Claret School of Zamboanga, Zamboanga City.

Gracing the affair were Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. John M. Dalipe; Ms. Ma. Socorro A. Rojas, Head of City Social Welfare and Development Office; and officials of various barangays in Zamboanga City.

Mayor Dalipe in his message said: “Bajo na presente administrasyon, prioridad el buen estar del maga jovenes y ta continua kita trabaja para hace mas manada oportunidad que puede escuji ustedes na diferentes trabajos, na educaccion, y na desarollo del de ustedes maga potencial. (The administration’s commitment is the well-being of the youth and the continuous efforts to create more opportunities in various field of work, education, and personal development). Your commitment to education and determination to secure a brighter future deserves our admiration and support.”

Ma. Elena T. Alabata, Head of the DOLE-ZCFO, in her message urged the students to value the opportunity provided by SPES, emphasizing that not everyone gets such a chance. She encouraged them to give their best in their assigned tasks as the experience gained will shape them into better individuals.

The 723 beneficiaries are from 47 barangays in Zamboanga City. They were oriented with the SPES Online System and Occupational Safety and Health. Additionally, the City Human Resource Management Office discussed the Code of Conduct for Government Employees, Employment Policies, Rules, and Regulations.

Starting July 17 to August 11, 2023, the student-beneficiaries will be deployed in various offices of the City LGU and barangays. During this period, each beneficiary will receive a daily wage of Php 568.95, amounting to a total of P11,379.00 for a period of twenty (20) days. This wage will be 100% fully covered by LGU Zamboanga City, showcasing the city’s commitment to the program.

SPES aims to support poor but deserving students, out-of-school youths, and dependents of displaced or potential displaced workers by offering temporary employment during summer and/or Christmas vacations or any time of the year. The program helps augment their family’s income, enabling them to pursue their education and build a better future. END/ with reports from MESIdris, Sr. LEO, ZCFO.