BONTOC, Mountain Province – Sixty students employed under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) through a partnership between the municipal government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) received their wages on September 27, 2024, at the Municipal Capitol Auditorium.
Labor and Employment Officer Jenelyn Caluza of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) shared that the beneficiaries completed a total of 20 working days, excluding weekends and holidays.
Each student received a total of ₱10,045.4 in wages, which was a combination of 60% amounting to ₱6,027.24 from the Bontoc LGU and 40% amounting to ₱4,018.16 from DOLE.
Caluza added that among the beneficiaries, seven are special education (SPED) students, highlighting the inclusivity of the program in providing opportunities for all learners.
In his message, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. expressed his gratitude for the students’ dedication and participation in the program.
He encouraged them to continue working hard and to view this opportunity as the start of their contributions to the community’s development. The mayor also assured them of the municipal government’s continued support and emphasized the inclusive nature of its programs for all sectors of society.
Meanwhile, Poblacion Punong Barangay Atty. Florence Taguiba encouraged the students to make the most of the experience gained from the program and emphasized the value of discipline and dedication in their work, noting that these qualities would prepare them for future challenges and opportunities.
Additionally, one of the beneficiaries and a parent expressed their utmost gratitude to the municipal government and DOLE for the opportunity provided through the SPES program. The beneficiary shared how the experience not only helped them financially but also allowed them to develop valuable skills.
Meanwhile, a parent has shared how the opportunity provided their child with a sense of accomplishment and helped in boosting their child’s confidence and sense of independence.
Also present during the payout was Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., and Administrative Officer Jenny Veer Cabfit of the Office of the Municipal Treasurer. By Christy Mae C. Pangesfan