“SPES is a part of my development,” says Engr. Arjhon M. Valera, 25, of Cabuloan, Bangued who is now a college instructor of Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST).

Valera joined the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) for three years in 2011, 2012, and 2016. The program helped him financially until he graduated college.  He also developed his communication and socialization skills when he worked with the General Services Office of the PGA as a SPES intern.

He was hired in ASIST-Bangued as an electrical engineering instructor in June 2019, after  passing both the Licensure Examinations for Registered Electrical Engineer and the Registered Master Electrician in April 2019.

“I told my students to join SPES because it is a worthwhile experience to spend the summer,” he said.

SPES is a program of the Department of Labor and Employment in partnership with the LGUs that provides temporary employment to disadvantaged students and out-of-school youth to help them pursue education.