‘Prioritize students in summer jobs’

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City councilor Aldin Diaz is asking the Public Employment Service Offices and business establishments in the city to consider students in the list of Special Program for the Employment of Students beneficiaries.

"This is one way to keep them busy during summer and at the same time to earn that they may be able to finance themselves for the next school year," said Diaz, who is the chairman of the Committee on Labor and Employment.

In his proposed resolution, Diaz is asking PESO manager Luzviminda Montebon to request all business establishments of Talisay City to allow students to work for a summer job as a way of implementing the SPES.

Under Section 2, Rule V of the IRR, "the DOLE shall serve a program manager of the SPES". It also states that the DOLE shall provide the necessary technical and administrative assistance to all its regional and field offices.

Established in 1992 under Republic Act No. 7323, which was amended by RA 9547, the SPES assists poor but deserving students pursue their education by encouraging employment of those in secondary level during summer and/or Christmas vacations and of those in the tertiary, technical, or vocational education levels any time of the year.

According to Diaz, the SPES is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational/technical students, and out-of-school youth of poor families who seek to develop their intellectual capabilities and harness their potential for the country’s development.