Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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DOLE eyes collab with private firms to expand working student program in Occ Mindoro
Philippines
National
DOLE eyes collab with private firms to expand working student program in Occ Mindoro
DOLE eyes collab with private firms to expand working student program in Occ Mindoro
Published May 30, 2023 05:22 am
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Updated May 30, 2023 05:22 am
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will collaborate with private businesses to expand the working student program in Occidental Mindoro.
DOLE 4B director Naomi Lyn Abellana said students working for private companies under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) are usually paid at the minimum wage, which amounts to P355 per day in the Mimaropa (Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region.
A total of 541 students were enrolled under the program.
The official said it wants to expand the program by recruiting more college students and senior high school students from low-income households.
The problem, however, is the funding, according to Abellana.
Based on the agreement, the salary of the students under the program will be jointly shouldered under a 60-40 (employer-DOLE) sharing arrangement.
“SPES benefits poor but deserving students. They do not have to be honor students. So long as they are getting passing marks in their classes, and are willing and able to work, we accept them into the program,” Abellana said. (Nicole Magmanlac)