BY HANNAH NICOL More than 800 learners in Caloocan City will participate in the city's Special Program of the Employment of Students (SPES) that will help them in enhancing their skills, the local government said on Thursday, July 6. According to the local government, the students from Caloocan City North and South had their orientation for the program on July 4 and July 6. They will be assigned to work in different city agencies and departments starting July 20. Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan applauded the students' patience and effort in trying to earn a small amount of money to help with their personal needs. (Photo from Caloocan City government/ MANILA BULLETIN)
“Bukod sa layuning makapaghatid ng pagkakakitaan, isa rin ito sa paraan upang linangin at dagdagan pa ang kakayahan at kaalaman ng mga Batang Kankaloo (Apart from the purpose of providing income, this is also one of the ways to train and increase the skills and knowledge of Batang Kankaloo),” he said. “Sa ating mga bagong SPES, hanga ako sa inyong pagsisikap at pagpupursigi, hangad ko na makatulong ang oportunidad na ito sa inyong mga gastusin, at higit sa lahat, sana'y marami kayong matutunan (To our new SPES, I admire your efforts and perseverance, I hope this opportunity helps with your expenses, and most of all I hope you learn a lot),” he added. He also expressed his appreciation to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the partner private companies in helping the city government  provide opportunities for the development of the youth. “Maraming salamat po sa PESO, DOLE, at sa mga katuwang nating pribadong kumpanya sa inyong pag-uugnayan upang makatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng ating mga kababayan,” the mayor said. According to the LGU, the SPES will be conducted for 20 days, wherein more than half of their compensation will be shouldered by the City Government of Caloocan, while the remainder will be covered by the DOLE.