Objectives of the Program
- Aims to develop intellectual capabilities and harness potentials of children from low-income families.
- Focuses on helping poor but deserving students continue their education by providing summer or holiday employment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students and out-of-school youth aged 15-25.
- Must be enrolled during the school year or dropouts intending to return.
- Must have at least an average passing grade.
- Family’s combined net income, including the applicant's income, must not exceed Php 36,000 per annum.
Documentary Requirements for Applicants
- Bio-data with a 1x1 photo.
- Three copies of birth or baptismal certificate.
- Three copies of certification from the school registrar indicating last enrollment and passing average or original class cards/Form 138.
- Three certified true copies of the last Income Tax Return or certification from Bureau of Internal Revenue or Barangay Certification proving income threshold together with an affidavit of non-filing, if applicable.
Compensation and Payment Scheme
- Qualified students paid at the minimum daily wage rate set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
- Employers pay 60% of wages in cash.
- Government pays 40% through Education Vouchers meant for tuition and school fees.
- Vouchers are used only for educational expenses and are non-transferable except under certain conditions (death or justified cessation of duties).
Program Coordination and Oversight
- DECS Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA) responsible for national coordination and monitoring.
- Kabataan 2000 National Action Officer also oversees implementation.
- Regional officers coordinate in their respective areas.
Legal Provisions and Enforcement
- Sponsoring entities employing at least 50 persons may hire eligible students and pay wages under the prescribed scheme.
- Any fraudulent or fictitious claim leads to imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of at least Php 10,000.
- Legal liability extends to managing partners, general managers, or CEOs in case of partnerships or corporations.
Government Funding and Institutional Support
- Appropriations authorized in the General Appropriations Act starting 1992 and annually thereafter.
- The Secretary of Labor and Employment serves as Project Director.
- Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Finance tasked to promulgate rules and regulations.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect after publication in the Official Gazette or two national newspapers.
This comprehensive framework ensures financial assistance via employment to poor but deserving students, encouraging both educational attainment and workforce participation while safeguarding against abuse and fraudulent claims.