DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, August 2 (PIA) -- Three hundred students from different schools in the city have completed their 20-day Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) in various offices of the Dumaguete City government this year.

SPES program provides poor but deserving students with the opportunity to work and earn, at the same time acquire knowledge and develop their skills.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) partnered with the Dumaguete City government for the implementation of the program.

The closing ceremony for the SPES beneficiaries on July 28 marked the completion of their work assignments.

The compensation that the students earned will be used in paying for their tuition fees during enrollment.  

City Public Employment Service Office Manager Maria Socorro Mira said SPES beneficiaries are entitled to receive a total of P9,846.40 for complete attendance through a counterpart scheme at 60% from Dumaguete City and 40% from DOLE.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo is optimistic that aside from earning monetary compensation, the said students were also able to learn work ethics and life lessons that will prepare them to become responsible citizens and productive employees or entrepreneurs after graduation. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)