City of San Fernando, Pampanga – A total of 3,400 student beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) have received their payouts from the Capitol and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the payout distribution, joined by officials from DOLE Region III, in a ceremony held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
Governor Pineda disclosed that due to budget constraints, DOLE will be only able to support 2,200 students this year under the SPES program. However, he assured that an additional 2,300 slots would be maintained to aid financially disadvantaged and deserving students across the province’s 505 barangays, utilizing funds from the provincial government.
“While DOLE’s support is limited to 2,200 students this year, we are committed to sustaining an additional 2,300 slots until the program’s completion. Our dedication to these students remains unwavering,” he stated.
Each beneficiary received P11,379 upon completion of a 20-day work period, during which they assisted in updating the skills registry system of Pampanga across its 505 barangays.
Vice Governor Nanay expressed appreciation to the board members for allocating sufficient budget for the program.
“To all the fortunate SPES recipients, I urge you to study diligently and utilize the benefits received for the advancement of our beloved province of Pampanga. You are all valuable assets to Pampanga,” she emphasized.
The provincial government contributed 60 percent (P23,213,160) of the total salary, with the remaining 40 percent (P15,475,440) provided by DOLE’s counterpart funding.
The distribution ceremony was also attended by Board Members Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, Fritzie David Dizon, Atty. Jun Canlas, Benny Jocson, Nelson Calara, Pol Balingit, JC Cruz, Atty. Claire Lim, Special Assistant to the Governor and PDRRM Chief Angelina Blanco, PESO Manager Luningning Vergara, Pampanga DOLE Chief Arlene Tolentino, and DOLE-III Technical Support and Services Division for Employment and Welfare (TSSD-EW) Director II Alex Inza Cruz.
-30-
