The municipal government of Mawab, Davao de Oro launched the 2026 Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) on Wednesday, giving qualified youth a chance to earn income and gain work experience.

Running from April 20 to June 2, the program provides temporary employment for students who meet the requirements. SPES helps finance education by offering 20 to 52 days of work.

Salaries will be jointly shouldered by the local government unit (LGU), which will cover 40 percent, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which will provide the remaining 60 percent.

In an interview, Mayor Myrill Apit encouraged students to take part, reaffirming the LGU’s commitment to supporting the youth, especially those from financially challenged families.

“This program is our way of helping Mawabenyos prepare for the incoming school year,” Apit said in a statement.

Applicants must be senior high school students or incoming college students and bona fide residents of Mawab. They must have a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 80 percent with no failing grades.

Under the guidelines, applicants must not be recipients of any government scholarship and should belong to an indigent family with a combined annual net income not exceeding PHP189,128.

“There are a lot of deserving students in our municipality. Tag your classmates and friends so more can benefit from the program,” Apit said.

Requirements include a photocopy of the Form 138 report card, a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate, an updated resumé, a certificate of indigency, a completed SPES application form, and an application letter addressed to the mayor’s office.

“We want to help students earn while learning and gaining work experience. We are committed to giving them opportunities that will empower and prepare them for the future,” Apit added.

Selected students will be assigned to work at the municipal hall. (PNA)