The Public Employment Service Office of Davao City (PESO-Davao City) has announced the allocation of 580 slots for the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) this year, offering work opportunities to students and out-of-school youth from low-income families.
Deployment Progress and Partner Support
Shirly D. Sahid, PESO-Davao City labor and employment officer, confirmed that the deployment of students under SPES is currently underway. She stated that 500 students have already been deployed, while the remaining slots are scheduled for deployment in the coming weeks.
According to Sahid, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided a budget for the program, supplemented by a counterpart fund from the local government unit and support from five partner companies. This collaboration has enabled an increase in the number of available slots for student beneficiaries.
Work Assignments and Compensation
Students participating in the program will work eight hours per day and be assigned to various government offices, including PESO and barangay offices, as well as private establishments such as malls, where they will serve as service crew or assistants under the five partner companies.
Sahid explained that students assigned to government offices will receive compensation equivalent to the salary of the lowest plantilla position. Meanwhile, those working in private companies will be paid the minimum wage as mandated by law.
Increased Beneficiaries Compared to 2025
The office has slightly increased the number of beneficiaries this year compared to the 520 slots offered in 2025. This expansion reflects the growing support from partner companies and the local government.
The SPES program is an initiative of PESO-Davao City in coordination with DOLE. It aims to provide work opportunities to students and out-of-school youth aged 15 to 30 from low-income families, helping them earn money during the summer break to support their education while gaining valuable work experience.
“As early as Grade 10, we already accept applicants—Grade 11 and 12, as well as incoming college students—and yes, even if they are currently continuing their college studies,” Sahid said during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the City Mayor’s Office.
Through the program, beneficiaries are able to earn income to support their education while acquiring practical skills in both private companies and government offices.
