Over 600 Davao City Youth Gain Employment Through SPES Program in 2025
In a significant boost for local youth, more than 600 students and out-of-school youth (OSYs) from Davao City were hired in 2025 under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). This initiative, spearheaded by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Davao City in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), provides valuable work opportunities during school breaks or summer vacations.
Empowering Youth Through Work and Education
The SPES program targets young individuals aged 15 to 30 from low-income families, enabling them to earn income to support their educational pursuits while acquiring practical work experience in various government offices and private partner institutions. Lilibeth Pantinople, head of PESO-Davao City, highlighted the program's success, noting that over 600 beneficiaries were assisted last year.
"We have a lot of beneficiaries last year, more than 600 SPES grantees. Those who wish to apply can simply come to our office to register. This way, when our partner companies conduct interviews, we can contact you directly. Even out-of-school youth can apply as long as they are not over 30 years old and are willing to go back to school," Pantinople explained to the City Information Office.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Career Pathways
Pantinople emphasized that out-of-school youth participating in SPES are typically assigned to malls, where they follow regular employee hours, provided they commit to returning to school. For part-time roles, participants are required to render only four hours of duty per day, ensuring a balance between work and educational goals.
This condition reinforces the program's core mission: to help young people continue their education while gaining real-world work experience. PESO underscores that SPES not only offers short-term opportunities but also transforms them into lasting careers. Several former grantees have been absorbed by partner companies and even promoted to supervisory positions.
"A good thing about applying to the SPES Program is that you can be absorbed by companies until you graduate. There is one employee who is now a supervisor at a store, so we're really happy. Through the SPES program, your work experience will be credited, and you will be easily hired once you graduate from college," Pantinople added.
Long-Term Impact and Community Benefits
The SPES initiative continues to empower Dabawenyo youth by:
- Providing financial assistance for education through earned wages.
- Offering hands-on work experience in diverse sectors.
- Facilitating career advancement and job absorption post-graduation.
- Supporting out-of-school youth in reintegrating into the educational system.
This program exemplifies a successful public-private partnership aimed at addressing youth unemployment and enhancing skills development in Davao City, contributing to a more resilient and educated workforce for the future.
