GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) — At least 100 more poor students in South Cotabato province will have a chance to continue their studies this year through the implementation of the expanded or year-round Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).
Zenaida Duron, South Cotabato Public Employment Services Office (PESO) head, said the provincial government has allocated around P490,000 for the launching of the program this school year in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
She said the funds, which were drawn from the local government’s supplemental budget number 1, will be utilized to pay for the salaries of the initial 60 students who were admitted into the program. The salaries of the 40 other beneficiaries will be shouldered by local private establishments and individuals who have signified to support the program, she said.
The official said each beneficiary will receive a daily pay of P270, which is the prevailing minimum daily wage in the region, for at least eight hours of work.

Source: Manila Bulletin - June 15, 2013