DOLE-SPES baby, now a regular employee at LGU Jimenez

Wilson Beniga, 24 year-old hired under Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X) - Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office (Mis. Occ. PFO) from year 2016 to 2020 is now employed under a permanent/regular position as Administrative Aide III at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jimenez, Misamis Occidental on 16 February 2022.

DOLE-X Mis. Occ. PFO Chief Ebba B. Acosta said Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Arnulfo Guimalan was confident in his employee's competence and skills.

Guimalan said Beniga thinks creatively outside the box or someone who always found something new to work on in order to learn. "I've admired his abilities since he began working with us under SPES. He has the drive and readiness to be taught on new things every day. He is one of my most trusted employees at PESO," he said.

Beniga, the youngest of three siblings, worked hard to help his father with the family’s expenses because his mother was unable to work. He recounted how they make ends meet from the minimum wage his father earned as a laborer in the construction industry for almost ten years. Beniga said despite the meager income, all siblings graduated college. As gratitude to his father’s hard work, he desired to payback and provide a more comfortable life for his family.

Acosta said during Beniga’s SPES employment, he was responsible on PESO programs and activities. He also assisted in the preparation of livelihood proposals of associations requesting for assistance including its liquidation process and assisted in the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Beniga said the opportunity he had allowed him to earn money but also learned and experienced the responsibility, openness, and accountability that came with operating a successful government. He thanked DOLE-X, “I am sincerely proud and honored to be part of SPES program of DOLE that made a remarkable life changing event. Growing up in a less privileged family, SPES has allowed me to experience receiving a salary in a short term basis for 20 days in each year of four consecutive years. It added value to my career path. I am always beyond grateful to the people who never ceased to help me especially to Manager Guimalan for honoring my talent and seeing my potential which led to my regularization in the LGU.”

SPES, the DOLE's youth employment-bridging program, aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer and/or Christmas vacation or any time of the year to supplement their family’s income and help beneficiaries continue their education. (Lorraine M. Roa/DOLE-X Mis. Occ. PFO)