Who identifies eligible SPES beneficiaries?

• A. Local SPES coordinators identify eligible students based on poverty criterion and enrollment status.
• B. Central government officials determine eligibility.
• C. Employers decide who to hire without criteria.
• D. Beneficiaries self-select themselves.

Answer: (A)

Eligibility for SPES is identified by local SPES coordinators who review applicants against the program’s criteria—being a student and meeting the poverty criterion. They verify enrollment status (still in school) and assess family income or other poverty indicators, using local data and guidelines from DOLE and the local government unit. The central government sets the overall rules and funding framework, but the actual determination of who qualifies is done at the local level to ensure those in true need are reached. Employers then provide the work placements to the approved list, and beneficiaries don’t self-select into the program.