A total of 113 student across the province are currently deployed in various government offices to fulfill their summer job duties under Special Program for Employment of Students of Department of Labor and Employment Office (DOLE) and Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO). This program provides an opportunity to have a temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer and/or Christmas vacation or any time of the year which help the family’s income to help ensure that beneficiaries are able to their education.

According to Ms. Virnille Concepcion N. Bautusta, 17, SPES Benificiary from Caloocan Norte, Binmaley notes that SPES is an avenue to gain experience and knowledge for professional growth. She highlights that, “For me, SPES is an opportunity to learn and gain experience in how the world works. SPES helps me in many ways to learn especially in socializing. As someone who prefers to be alone, SPES is a whole new level of leaving your comfort zone kasi madami ka nakakasalamuha na professional, which will help me grow to be professional as well in the future.” Ms. Bautista is one of the beneficiaries that is currently deployed at one of the Provincial offices at Capitol Complex, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Beneficiaries are expected to work for 20 days with a daily wage of P568.95 per day. At the end of their work days, they are about to receive a wage with total amount of P11,479. The Special Program for Employment of Students is an employment-bridging program of Department of Labor and Employment Office that is jointly funded with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.