Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure that the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) truly helps senior high school students prepare for future employment.
Gatchalian cited a 2020 report from the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, which found that the program had little to no impact on students’ academic outcomes or job readiness.
The SPES, implemented by DOLE in partnership with local government units (LGUs), provides temporary employment opportunities for students during school breaks. For 2026, the program has been allocated ₱800 million in funding.
“Kung maiuugnay natin ang SPES sa ating mga mag-aaral sa senior high school, mabibigyan natin sila ng trabaho,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.
According to Labor Undersecretary Carmela Torres, DOLE ensures that students’ work assignments provide practical experience, life skills, and meaningful exposure to real-world workplaces.
Gatchalian added that strengthening the SPES could help address growing public frustration over the perceived lack of effectiveness of the senior high school program.
In 2024, DOLE reported assisting 84,745 beneficiaries through the SPES initiative.
The senator emphasized that aligning SPES with senior high school goals could bridge the gap between classroom learning and employable skills — preparing students not just to graduate, but to succeed in the workforce.