MMDA now accepts students for summer jobs

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday announced that it is ready to accept students for jobs over the summer under its Special Program for the Education of Students (SPES).

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said under the SPES program students between 17 and 25 years of age may apply for summer jobs with the MMDA. The SPES is aimed at giving poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths a learning experience in government service.

“SPES is an opportunity for our youths to learn what it is like working in public service and at the same time provide them with financial means to continue their education,” Tolentino said.

SPES, which is now on its second year at the MMDA, is mandated under Republic Act 9547 whose objective is to develop the intellectual capacities of children of poor families and harness their potentials.

The program is being administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Lydia Domingo, director of MMDA’s administrative service, said applications will be accepted until March 22. The first day of the annual summer job begins on April 1 and will run for one month.

There are a total of 300 slots open, which include public services assistants, computer operators, communication equipment operator assistants, accounting clerks, and records clerk, among others according to Domingo.

Applicants’ parents should have an annual income of below P128,000.

If the applicant is a high school graduate, he or she should present a photocopy of his or her Form 138 with at least 75 percent passing grade. Applicants in the college level should present class cards.

Applicants should also submit a copy of his or her birth certificate, a copy of latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of parents and for out-of-school youth, a certificate of good moral character from the barangay chairperson of his or her place of residence.

“If the parents of the applicant are informal workers such as carpenter, plumber, or vendor, a certificate from the barangay is needed,” Domingo said. Last year, the MMDA hired 200 summer interns.