By PR | 03:48 PM May 08, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol is strengthening youth employment initiatives through the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and the JobStart Program (JSP), officials said during the May 8, 2026 episode of “The Capitol Reports” at the Provincial Capitol.
Officials from the Bohol Employment and Placement Office–Public Employment Service Office (Bepo-Peso) highlighted efforts to provide students and young job seekers with financial assistance, career development, and skills training aligned with emerging labor market demands.
Provincial Peso Manager Maria Vilma Yorong said SPES remains open to qualified poor but deserving students, not only 4Ps beneficiaries, with funding shared by the provincial government of Bohol and the Department of Labor and Employment.
Around 2,000 students are currently benefiting from the program, which requires participants to complete a 20-working-day service period.
Yorong also cited growing opportunities in sectors such as IT-BPM, freelancing, tourism, healthcare, green jobs, agricultural modernization, and creative industries as automation and artificial intelligence reshape the workforce.
Bepo-Peso continues to partner with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) for scholarship programs and with the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office for career awareness campaigns.
Officials also reaffirmed Bohol’s commitment to remaining an “Illegal Recruitment-Free Province,” noting that all overseas recruitment activities are coordinated with accredited agencies.
The agency also encouraged young Boholanos to apply for the JobStart Program, which offers career coaching, life skills training, technical training, and internships with partner employers.
