A total of 100 in-school-youth have completed 30 working days of service under the Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-10) during their summer break, gaining hands-on public service experience while receiving financial assistance to support their educational needs.
GIP interns were deployed to DSWD-10 Regional Office and 12 local government units (LGUs) across Northern Mindanao, where they provided administrative, program, and logistical support in various government offices and social welfare settings.
Interns were assigned to the following offices and local government units: Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO) of Cagayan de Oro City; Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental; City Social Welfare and Development Office of El Salvador City; LGU Iligan City; Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte; LGU Oroquieta City; LGU Ozamiz City; LGU Gingoog City; LGU Valencia City; LGU Malaybalay City; Provincial Government of Bukidnon; and Provincial Government of Camiguin.
For their rendered services, each intern received a stipend equivalent to 75 percent of the minimum wage under Wage Category I in Region X.
“More than providing financial assistance, the GIP gives young people an opportunity to experience public service firsthand, develop workplace skills, and discover how their contributions can make a difference in their communities,” said Dianne Jane D. Lendio, Youth Focal Person.
Throughout their deployment, the interns assisted in encoding and updating program records, preparing reports and office documents, organizing files, supporting meetings, orientations, and trainings, and providing administrative and logistical assistance. They also participated in youth and social welfare activities and performed other tasks suited to their interests and competencies.
The internship provided participants with opportunities to strengthen their professionalism, technical and administrative skills, communication abilities, teamwork, and appreciation of public service. Their exposure to actual government operations also allowed them to gain practical knowledge and workplace experience that can contribute to their preparation for future employment.
GIP is designed to provide in-school youth with hands-on work experience in government offices while helping them develop workplace and life skills. Through the program, interns are given opportunities to gain practical exposure to public service and earn financial support that may help augment their educational needs.
The program prioritizes youth aged 18 to 25 who are classified as in-school youth and whose family income does not exceed the regional poverty threshold based on the latest data of the Philippine Statistics Authority. It also provides opportunities for youth from Indigenous communities, youth with disabilities, and other disadvantaged and marginalized sectors.
The implementation of GIP is anchored on the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and encourages their participation in public and civic affairs. It is also supported by Presidential Decree No. 603, or the Child and Youth Welfare Code, and Executive Order No. 139, which established the President’s Summer Youth Work Program and expanded its coverage into a year-round youth employment initiative. DSWD Field Office X commends the 100 interns for their dedication, commitment, and willingness to learn throughout their 30-day deployment. Their experience under GIP marks a meaningful step toward personal and professional growth while nurturing a stronger sense of responsibility, civic engagement, and participation in nation-building. ###