LGU Naga hires 350 under SPES program

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY --- At least 350 students were able to qualify this year to the Special Program for the Employment of Students under the auspices of the local government unit here. The program assists poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths intending to pursue their education by working during summer or any time of the year, be they are in senior high school, technical-vocational or college level. The program is being offered also to any dependent of displaced or about to be displaced workers due to business closures or work stoppages as reported to DOLE. The employment of students allows them to be provided with income to help them cope up with their tuition and other fees when classes open. The summer job program also allows students to harness their potentials and learn about responsibilities as paid workers. The orientation which was conducted early this week at the Naga City People’s Hall was attended by 200 students who compose the first batch that will report for work from April 24 to May 22, this year. “This year’s number of student-applicants has dramatically grown to 68% from last year’s 1,720. The figures show that more young individuals, with ages ranging from 15-30 years old, have seen the importance of education as they pursue their studies despite financial constraints,” says Ephraim Calleja, the program’s focal person. Students who belong to the 2nd batch are going to report for orientation this month and will be assigned to their respective workstations beginning May 15 until June 9, this year.