Zamboanga City – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 through its Isabela City Field Office (ICFO) in coordination with Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Isabela LGU oriented 55 young Isabeleños on the important features of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) on May 31, 2021.Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe highlighted that SPES is a youth employment-bridging program, one of DOLE’s strategies which aims to provide beneficiaries with temporary employment any time of the year to ensure that beneficiaries are able to pursue their education in any secondary, tertiary, or technical-vocational institution.

The SPES Orientation was held in three different locations namely Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI), Juan S. Alano Memorial School (JSAMS) and Hardam Furigay Colleges Inc.

ICFO Chief Maria Elena T. Alabata led the SPES Orientation. SPES focal person. Mr. Sabino T. Romero presented the latest SPES Advisory No. 2-2021 which pertains to the Implementation of the SPES Program amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine.

This was followed by a financial literacy learning session which focused on providing the beneficiaries additional knowledge and opportunity to earn additional income to uplift their socio-economic status.

“For the safety of students and out-of-school youth only 15-30 years old are eligible to participate. Beneficiaries with immunodeficiency, comorbidities and other health related risks are prohibited.

Also, employers are advised to strictly comply with the minimum public health standards and adopt alternative work arrangements,” said Ms. Alabata.

PESO Isabela LGU Coordinator, Ms. Reycel Villas together with Job Placement Officer and JSAMS Coordinator, Ms. Cecile Jaquilmac are also present during the orientation. END/KCQG with a report from DOLE-ICFO