Bacolod: A total of 181 college students from three local government units in Negros Occidental received PHP847,248 in salary share from the Department of Labor and Employment-Special Program for Employment of Students (DOLE-SPES) on Friday. The payout was conducted during the opening of the 2026 Trabaho Agad Job Fair at SM City Bacolod, coinciding with the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-Negros Occidental Officer-in-Charge Gretchen Pasiolan emphasized the agency's ongoing commitment to employment generation and social protection. She highlighted that the release of the SPES wages exemplifies the effectiveness of government services when delivered through partnerships and shared commitment.

The DOLE-SPES initiative aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or low-income workers during summer vacations. Public sector employers cover 60 percent of the salaries, while DOLE funds the remaining 40 percent.

Among the beneficiaries, 93 students from Silay City received PHP4,601.84 each, totaling PHP847,248.88. In Don Salvador Benedicto, 60 students also received PHP4,601.84 each, amounting to PHP276,110.40. Cadiz City supported 28 students with PHP5,112.12 each, totaling PHP143,167.36.

Jerrione de Gracia, a third-year Nursing student at Riverside College and a beneficiary from Silay City, plans to use his SPES earnings for school-related expenses. "This will be used for miscellaneous fees, uniforms, and other school supplies," he said.