THE ZAMBOANGA City government is prioritizing livelihood opportunities for students and out-of-school youth.

The city government allocated a total of P19.83 million for the implementation of the Summer Program for the Employment of Students, targeting 2,665 student-beneficiaries this year.

SPES is a joint program with the Department of Labor and Employment.

It aims to provide temporary employment to financially-challenged but deserving students and out-of-school youth.

Under the program, 1,400 students are employed for the first batch, while 1,265 students will be hired for the second batch.

Each student will receive a salary of P10,500 for the 20-day work-period.

SPES beneficiaries will be assigned in barangays to assist in office or barangay activities, undertake disinfection and sanitation and other tasks, with strict adherence to Local Inter Agency Task Force  protocols and guidelines.