Lucena City students get payouts from employment program

By Rowena Cruz The students during the payout ceremony, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to gain practical skills and financia...

By Rowena Cruz

The students during the payout ceremony, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to gain practical skills and financial support. (Photo Screengrab from Public Information Office - City of Lucena video)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - About 61 students here received a payout in compensation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government of Lucena City.

The payout was part of a special program for employment of students, or SPES, aimed at providing financial assistance to students who were able to secure employment during their summer break. The program not only helps students earn money but also provides them with valuable work experience that can enhance their future career prospects.



Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala expressed his gratitude to DOLE and the local government for their support in implementing the SPES program. He emphasized the importance of empowering students through employment opportunities, as it not only helps them financially but also prepares them for the challenges of the professional world.

"So the biggest takeaway here is that each and every one of you has experienced what it's like to be a public servant; hindi na mawawala iyon nasa puso niyo na ang experience na ito at ang sa akin lang whatever your dreams are, kung ano man ang pangarap niyo sa buhay mahalaaga na kahit papaano makasama namin kayo at nakatrabaho namin kayo at dahil doon maraming salamat sa eefort na ibingay ng bawat isa sa inyo," the mayor said.

Over 4500 pesos per student was their total compensation, which came from DOLE's counterpart funds for the internship program. The payment is given when the students finish their 20-day job assignments at different government offices.

SPES is an employment-bridging program that gives temporary jobs to low-income but deserving students, out-of-school kids, and the dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers. JobStart, on the other hand, is a Department of Labor program that prepares Filipino kids for employment through career advice, life skills and technical training, and company internships.

It has recommended up to 1 million job seekers to employers and training institutions via its Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs). Approximately 970,000 applicants were hired during the year.