ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — June 10, 2025 — In its continuing effort to empower the youth through meaningful employment, the City Government of Zamboanga officially welcomed the second batch of 1,036 student-beneficiaries under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) on Monday, June 9. The orientation was held at the Zamboanga City Coliseum in Tetuan.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Zamboanga City Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment Region 9 (DOLE-9), seeks to equip student-beneficiaries with essential knowledge on employment rules and regulations. This will prepare them for their upcoming 20-day work assignments in various local government offices and community-based projects across the city.
Representing DOLE-9 Regional Director Albert Gutib, Assistant Regional Director Engr. Wesley Tan expressed appreciation to the city government, led by outgoing Mayor John Dalipe, for its active support of youth employment programs. He stressed the importance of providing real-world work experience that strengthens students’ technical capabilities and work ethic.
“This program not only prepares students for future employment but also teaches responsibility and public service,” Tan said.
PESO Manager Juniebe Manganohoy reported that the city allocated a total of P12.7 million for this year’s SPES implementation. Of the total amount, P7.6 million (60%) comes from the local government unit (LGU), while P5.1 million (40%) is funded by DOLE-9. Each student will earn a daily wage of P615, amounting to P12,300 for the full 20-day work period.
Manganohoy added that this year’s compensation is significantly higher than previous cycles, showcasing the city’s strengthened commitment to youth development.
The second batch is composed primarily of college students, who are set to begin deployment in the last week of June 2025.
Also present during the orientation were Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Makaraya Adil, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Ma. Eloina Idris, TUPAD Coordinator Rey Angelo Santos, and staff from PESO and DOLE-9.
The SPES program, a flagship youth employment initiative, continues to open doors for young Zamboangueños to gain practical work experience, develop life skills, and contribute to their communities.