On February 12, 2025, Public Employment Services Officer Ferdinand Calma, representing Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., led the distribution of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) allowances to 80 underprivileged but deserving students at the Mayor’s Office. Each student received a total of P4,727.28 in allowances as part of the program’s efforts to support education and provide financial assistance to students in need.
Joining Calma during the distribution was former Angeles City Public Cemetery Head, Philip Samson. The two helped ensure that the students received their financial aid without any issues, reinforcing the city’s dedication to helping its youth continue their education despite financial hardships.
The SPES program, which is managed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), serves as a vital tool for youth employment in the Philippines. It provides assistance to poor yet deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or potential displaced workers during the summer. The goal of the program is to help augment family incomes while supporting the education of the beneficiaries.
Through SPES, students not only receive financial assistance but also gain valuable skills and workplace experience. This bridging mechanism helps beneficiaries secure employment opportunities and develop the tools they need for a brighter future.
Mayor Lazatin, through his representative Calma, emphasized the importance of this program in helping young people achieve their educational goals and build a foundation for their careers. By providing these allowances, the city ensures that students from disadvantaged backgrounds can focus on their studies without the heavy burden of financial stress.
The SPES initiative also strengthens the partnership between the city government and the Department of Labor and Employment, ensuring that Angeles City’s youth have access to opportunities that will help them succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
With the distribution of allowances now complete, 80 students are one step closer to their educational goals. Mayor Lazatin continues to prioritize the welfare of the youth, recognizing that they are the future of the city, and is committed to supporting programs that foster their growth and development.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
