Manila, Feb. 18 -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and several private companies here have teamed up to boost the special employment of students and out-of-school youth (OSY) in the province.

Janelyn Martin, head of DOLE Ilocos Norte, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that around 550 jobs are open for students and OSY with the possibility to be hired as part-time or permanent employees.

The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers during summer and/or Christmas vacation or any time of the year to augment the family's income and help ensure that beneficiaries a...