Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday congratulated 1,000 college and high school students who qualified to work 20 days in summer jobs with the city government during the orientation and opening ceremony of the Special Program for Employment of Students 2018 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate.
The program allows students, ages 14 to 24, to work in different city departments, defending on what they are studying. Half of their salaries will be paid by the Department of Labor and Employment, and half from the City of Manila.
According to Estrada, the SPES 2018 is under the supervision of the city’s Youth Development & Welfare Bureau in coordination with the Public Employment Service Office.
He said thousands of students from the different public schools in the city applied for the program, but only those who were deemed “special” qualified, saying: “You truly are special.”
It will give the students the opportunity to learn how the different city departments work and contribute to the city’s progress, Estrada said.
He advised the students on the importance of unity and cooperation in the workplace.
“What I want you to understand as you work is the value of unity,” the mayor said.
That is what brings people together for a common purpose, Estrada said. He reiterated that unity and cooperation among city officials and employees was his message since he became mayor of the Manila.
“All I want is to be united to achieve our goals for Manila,” he said.
Estrada advised the students to do their best and cooperate with those they work with and learn from their experience.
“Make this a guide and inspiration for your next life plans,” the mayor said.
Estrada joked that maybe some of the students would be lucky enough to become city department head in the future.
“Or maybe you could be the mayor? But not now, right? Do not be impatient children because the time will come for you,” Estrada said.
He ended with the hope that the students will all learn from their summer job experience that will help them in the future.