Special Program for Employment of Students

RA 9547

Objective
The Program aims to help poor but deserving students pursue their education by
providing income or augment their income through encouraging their employment
during summer and/or Christmas vacations or any time of the year for students in the
tertiary, technical, or vocational level.

SPES
Special Program for Employment of Students which aims to assist poor but deserving
students find employment during summer and/or Christmas vacations for secondary
level and throughout the year for tertiary or vocational levels.
PESO
Public Employment Service Office, a non-fee charging multi-employment service facility
or entity established, recognized or accredited pursuant to RA 8759 and its IRRs

PARTICIPANTS
Students and Out-of-School Youth (OSY)
o At least 15 years of age but not more than 25 years old
o Average passing grade during the last school year/term attended
o Combined net income after tax of parents, including his/her own income, if
any, must not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a
family of six (6) as determined and provided by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA)
Any dependent of displaced or about to be displaced workers due to business closures or
work stoppages as reported to DOLE, may also apply under the SPES provided he/she
meets the qualifications.

Employers
o Any person or entity employing at least 10 persons, including private
establishments, national government agencies, LGUs, government-owned or
controlled corporations, educational institutions, labor unions and other similar
organizations and associations may participate in the program.

WHERE TO APPLY
Public Employment Service Office (PESO) having jurisdiction over their residence


REQUIREMENTS
Students and Out-of-School Youth (OSY)
o Duly accomplished SPES Application Form (SPES Form 1)
o Birth/baptismal certificate
o Certificate by the School Registrar as to:
Last enrollment; and
Average passing grade or a copy of the original class card or Form 138
o ITR of the applicants parents or a certification by BIR that the parents are
exempted from payment of tax
o Certificate of good moral character
Employers
o Pledges containing the number of vacancies, including the qualification
requirements to the DOLE through the PESO having jurisdiction over their place
of business.
PROCESS

1. The student shall apply in person and undergo preliminary interview and
screening at the PESO.
2. The PESO shall match the students qualification with the requirements of
vacancies of participating employers.
3. If the student is qualified to a vacancy, he/she shall be referred for
consideration by the employer. In case the student is not hired, he/she shall be
referred to other participating employers.


CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
The employment of students under the SPES shall be covered by an Employment
Contract between the employer and the student which shall be issued by the DOLE
Regional Office.


PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT
Secondary level students
o During summer and/or Christmas vacation only.
Summer: not less than 20 working days nor more than 52 working days
Christmas: not less than 10 working days nor more than 15 working
days
Tertiary/Technical/Vocational
o Any time of the year but in no less than 20 working days or more than 52
working within a period of one year.

In all cases, employment shall not exceed 52 working days within a period of one year.


PAYMENT OF SALARY
The employer will pay 60% of the students salary or wage, in cash,
The remaining 40% of the applicable minimum wage or hiring rate shall be paid by
DOLE in a form of an *educational voucher which shall be applicable in the payment for
the students tuition fees and books in any educational institution for secondary,
tertiary, vocational or technical education.
*Refers to any financial instrument used by DOLE to pay the (40%) subsidy to
student beneficiaries. Said Education Voucher shall not be lower than the 40% of the
applicable minimum wage for private employers, national, and local government
agencies.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students
Report for work based on the schedule indicated in the employment contract
Perform tasks and activities assigned by the employer
Adhere to the rules and regulations of the employer
Use the education voucher for the purpose intended under the SPES law
Employers
Pay the student in cash at least 60% of his/her salary and full payment of other
applicable monetary benefits and incentives
Pay the full applicable salary or wage for overtime work rendered by the student
Ensure that the student shall not be exposed to hazardous undertakings as
specified under the Anti-Child Labor Law and its IRRs


INSURANCE
All student beneficiaries under the SPES working in both private and public
establishment/entities are insured under the Government Service Insurance System
(GSIS)