Applying SPES for SUMMER

As I read the newspaper Manila Bulletin last April 1, 2011 page 3 by Francis T. Wakefield. It talks about “Pasig offers summer jobs for students” under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). This is offer to all government of all cities and barangay nationwide. In which reminds me of a unforgettable experienced as one of a SPES members. Last 2008, I was one of the lucky students who are deserving to have a summer job in our Barangay (Macasandig) and I undergo many requirements ( school ID, report card, birth certificate, parents consent, biodata, cedula, bryg. clearance, income tax and 2x2 pictures.) We are all seven deserving students who are given an opportunity to work in our Barangay. During that time, I was only 16 years old, fresh graduate from High School and the reason why I applied being a SPES employee is to help my parents pay for my entrance exam and tuition in college to pursue my education. Each one of us has given certain tasks like encode (computer base), survey the population in our barangay, sensus, cleaning the office and clerical functions. During the 20 days of working, we had lots of fun and our experience is worthy. During the SPES program, I was the representative in our Barangay and I was crowned as “Ms. SPES SMILE 2008” and “MS. SPES FIRST Runner-Up.”

In addition, during our salary the city government shoulders only 60 percent and 40 percent for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The 60% was in cash but the remaining 40% was in a Land Bank cash card and it really takes four (4) months to get the cash card and its very “koti” we always went to the Land Bank to inquire and ask about the cash card but they always says that there is no exact day to get the cash card and so by that we always go there without any assurance with the cash card. And it came to a point, na di mo nalang kukunin yong natitirang 40% dahil nakakapagod na magpabalik-balik without any formal discussion with the remaining 40%. Yes, the government can help those deserving students for the summer job but they should also put into their minds that they should give the full 100% cash to the student’s because we worked hard for it. Not all the things that we have done during the job were easy but we showed patience and understanding. And after for almost four months of waiting we get the cash card which contains 40% of our salary. I was happy when I received my cash card and it really helps me pursue my education. My experiences being a SPES help me to become better people who have a self-confidence and ready to face people. The experience helps me a lot in the field of my work today as a student assistant. The government should expand the program so that there were many deserving students who will give more opportunities to earn and help their family’s income.