Arroyo expands employment program for poor students

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday signed into law an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen and expand the current coverage of the employment program for poor students. The President signed Republic Act 9547 in the presence of some 4,500 Sangguniang Kabataan members who were attending the 1st SK National Convention at the Bohol Wisdom School Gym in Tagbilaran City. RA 9547 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2116 and House Bill No. 5388, which amends Republic Act 7323, or the Special Program for the Employment of Students. RA 7323 was signed in 1992 by then President Corazon Aquino. The law aims to provide more employment opportunities to poor students in private companies as well as local government agencies at salaries that are “not lower than the prevailing minimum wage". It also aims to help students finish their studies as well as develop productive work ethics and explore opportunities for their future career. Under the new law, the SPES shall apply to qualified high school, college or vocational students or dropouts aged between 15 to 25 years. High school students, however, would only be allowed to seek employment during summer and Christmas vacations. Employment shall only be for 20 to 52 days during the summer period and 10 to 15 days during the Christmas vacation. The students who could avail of SPES must be from families whose net family income does not the annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six. Under RA 9547, 60 percent of the salaries to be received by the students shall be is paid in cash by the employers, while the 40 percent would be provided by the government in the form of education vouchers which they can used in payment of tuition fees and book expenses. The government shall pay the 40 percent to the institution concerned within 40 days upon its presentation. Local government units where the SPES program is implemented may likewise assume the responsibility of paying the full salary or wages of the student employees. - GMANews.TV