BRIDGING AMBITION AND OPPORTUNITY: HOW THE SPES PROGRAM EMPOWER A NURSING STUDENT TO LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL CAREER

For many students, the journey to a professional career is often a daunting climb, paved with significant financial hurdles and overwhelming personal uncertainty. Same is true for Justine V. Leynes, a former nursing student of the Lyceum of the Philippines University- Batangas who encountered these very obstacles. 

However, Leynes successfully turned these challenges into a powerful stepping stone through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), which served as a bridge between academic struggle and professional triumph. 

 Mr. Justine V. Leynes, former SPES Beneficiary of LPU- Batangas on his SPES duty. (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

As a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student then, Leynes faced immense pressure. Pursuing a degree at a prestigious university in Batangas came with heavy financial costs, which were compounded when the family business hit a financial crisis during their final year. Beyond the economic struggles, Leynes dealt with the anxiety of preparing for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE).

"The uncertainty led to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, causing me to question whether nursing was truly the right path for me," Leynes shared. 

Leynes, who served as President of the LPU-B Changemakers Society, discovered the SPES program through university channels. Seeking a way to manage expenses while remaining productive during a demanding review period, Leynes enrolled in the program. 

During the 20-day work engagement in May and June 2025 where he was deployed to the university clinic. This assignment allowed Leynes to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, ranging from conducting vital sign assessments to assisting with medical documentation.

Mr. Justine V. Leynes, former SPES Beneficiary of LPU- Batangas on his SPES duty (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

“My experience in the program was highly positive and fulfilling. I was assigned to the university clinic, which was particularly relevant to my nursing background and career aspirations.The experience provided numerous opportunities for learning, ranging from observation of clinical procedures to actively assisting in the delivery of healthcare services. Being immersed in an environment closely related to my field of study made the experience both educational and rewarding”. He remarked. 

Leynes highlighted that the program significantly improved their communication skills through constant interaction with diverse students during medical screenings and enrollment periods. Leynes also noted developing a deeper understanding of collaboration and teamwork while working alongside experienced healthcare personnel, which helped strengthen their professional values.

Mr. Justine V. Leynes, former SPES Beneficiary of LPU- Batangas on his SPES duty (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

 By observing the university physician conduct job interviews for clinic staff, Leynes gained invaluable insights into professional recruitment. "Observing these interviews helped me better understand how to present myself professionally, communicate my qualifications effectively, and prepare thoughtful responses," Leynes explained.

When asked how the SPES program helped address his problem on financial support for the final year of his study, Leynes highlighted that “The financial assistance provided through the program helped ease the burden of my educational expenses during my final year in nursing school. The monetary compensation allowed me to support some of my academic needs, daily expenses, and other requirements associated with completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, especially during a period when our family business was facing a financial crisis.”

Mr. Justine V. Leynes, former SPES Beneficiary of LPU- Batangas on his SPES duty (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

Mr. Justine V. Leynes, practicing his profession on the field of medicine (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

Today, Leynes serves as a Staff Nurse I (ICU/PICU) at a hospital in Lipa City, Batangas. From easing the financial burdens of final-year studies to providing a blueprint for professional conduct, the SPES program served as a vital catalyst in turning Leynes's aspirations into a career in healthcare.