Samar youth slots for summer jobs increased from 280 to 530

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
March 28, 2008

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  Some 530 students opted to work this summer rather than do leisurely activities to while their time. They will be busier this summer with jobs from the LGUs and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Summer jobs were granted to the youths of Basey with 50 slots, Calbiga 45, Sta. Rita 50, Hinabangan 50, San Jose de Buan  50, Daram 50, Calbayog City 50, Gandara 45, Sta. Margarita 50, SSU 30 and Catbalogan City 10.

This was revealed by Ms. Fe Estrella, DOLE provincial head in an interview with PIA.

The DOLE lady said that last summer only 280 summer jobs wheezed the youth through the program, however today, some 530 summer jobs are ready.

Estrella said that the LGUs and agencies who will participate provide the 60% of the wages while DOLE counterparts the remaining 40%.

As customary since its program inception, the project under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) hires students for the summer jobs to be able to finance their studies the following school year.

DOLE added that last year, there were only some 280 summer jobs offered. This year, DOLE is happier that more LGUs decided to participate through their Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) in every municipality.

The program is mandated under RA 7323 where an employed student receives a salary which is at least equal to the applicable minimum wage rate, of which, 60% is being paid by the employer in cash, while the remaining 40% of the salary will be paid by DOLE in the form of LBP checks.

Estrella said that she will advocate with the Representative for the Second district Sharee Ann Tan so that next summer more Samarnon youths will enjoy the summer jobs with corresponding wages.