DOLE BATANGAS KICKS OFF NATIONAL BOOKSTORE PARTNERSHIP WITH LIFE SKILLS TRAINING FOR SPES BENEFICIARIES

In a concerted effort to equip students with essential work-readiness skills, 14 beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) underwent Basic Life Skills Training before their deployment to various National Bookstore branches across Batangas province, held at the DOLE Batangas Conference Room, Lipa City, Batangas on May 23.

The initiative is part of the collaborative program between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and National Bookstore, aimed at providing gainful employment opportunities to students during their school break. 

SPES beneficiaries as they attend the Basic Life Skills Training (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Participants will undergo clerical work on various National Bookstore branches in the municipalities of Rosario and Lemery, and the cities of Lipa, Batangas, and Sto. Tomas.               

During the training, the beneficiaries learned essential life and workplace skills designed to prepare students for their temporary roles in retail service.         

Ms. Ricaela Salazar, Labor and Employment Officer II, led the discussion on the SPES program, highlighting the department’s commitment to promoting equal and productive employment opportunities. 

Ricaela Salazar, LEO II as she discusses SPES Program (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Mr. Franz Dylan Decepeda, a beneficiary from Matingain II, Lemery, who is set to be deployed at National Bookstore – SM Lemery, shared his insights about the impact of pre-employment learning sessions.

"I learned a lot during the life skills training, especially about building self-confidence and communicating effectively with customers. It's also important to understand right from wrong so we can work with integrity. I’ll remember the three keys to being a good employee: show up every day, be on time, and do your job well. Managing time and stress are important to maintaining work-life balance and delivering excellent customer service," he said.

Franz Dylan Decepeda of Matingain II, Lemery Batangas, as he participates in the Basic Life Skills Training (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

The one-day training session provided engaging discussions, practical tips, and motivational guidance for the beneficiaries like Francis. Through the modules, the participants experienced interactive learning throughout the training.

SPES beneficiaries with the DOLE Batangas Employment Unit as a wrap for the BSLT (Photo by Angela Keisleen Lopez/ DOLE-BPO)

As the beneficiaries prepare for their respective assignments, this program stands as a testament to the power of partnerships between the government and private sectors in nurturing the country’s future workforce.

This initiative underscores DOLE's mission to support Filipino youth in building a solid foundation for their careers while helping them financially during their studies. SPES provides summer employment opportunities to deserving students from low-income families. Under this program, employers shoulder 60% of the student’s salary, while the remaining 40% is subsidized by DOLE. It not only helps students support their education but also provides them with valuable work experience.  

LEOMAR C. DE TORRES