The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is inviting once again students to avail of its Special Employment Program for Students (SPES) during this Christmas break.

According to the Provincial Public Employment and Service Office (PESO), 350 slots are available to Ilocano youth aged 18 years to 30 years under the SPES.

Under the program, the beneficiaries render at least 10 days of service to the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office starting on the third week of December.

The students will be given a PHP280 per day salary, 60 percent of which is shouldered by the provincial government and 40 percent by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Lizette Bitancor-Atuan, head of PESO, said applicants are requested to submit a duly-accomplished application form issued by PESO, a photocopy of their NSO birth certificate, certificate of latest grades or class cards, certificate of indigency, and 2×2 size picture.

If the parents of the applicants are farmers, tricycle drivers or fishermen, the applicant is required to submit a certificate of indigency issued by the barangay chairman.

For applicants whose parents are self-employed, private or government employees, they must submit the latest income tax return of parents or a certificate issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue that the parents are exempted from paying tax.

Since Monday, several applicants have already lined up at the PESO located at the west wing of the Provincial Capitol ground floor for screening.

“Aside from gaining experience, it is also a way of helping earn for my daily allowance in school,” said Febe Bagcal, a student from Laoag City. (PNA)