Intern ALsha Marie Joy Abad assists the Budget Unit of DSWD Regional Office.

DAVAO CITY (DSWD XI) –At least 80 youth participants have been enlisted to be part of this summer’s Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Implemented through the 2000 Unlad Kabataan Program (UKP), GIP targets youth who are out- of- school, undergraduate, and graduates who are unemployed.

“It is an opportunity for them to learn life skills in the workplace, have a meaningful and productive activity during their summer vacation, and at the same time earn money to augment their family budget for school needs,“ DSWD Project Development Officer III Lorela Ramos said.

The implementation of GIP is from April to May for 22 days and participants will receive a stipend of 75% (238.00) of the regional minimum salary wage rate.

Ramos added that during the selection phase, DSWD prioritized interns who are 18-25 years old, member of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), and belonging to a family-beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The GIP is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in nation-building by exposing them to government service, and to serve as a recruitment mechanism for potential public employee.

For intern ALsha Marie Joy Abad, 20, who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), joining GIP helps her learn new things, get oriented on the processes in providing public service, and meet new friends.

GIP youth will perform not only actual office work but will also assist in the implementation of DSWD programs and projects. They may also provide frontline services in DSWD satellite offices in the provinces, DSWD residential facilities and in local government units (LGUs) with active and functional PYAP, Ramos said.

For 2016, DSWD has 1,440 interns all over the Philippines.

Ramos expressed optimism that through this internship program more youths will recognize the importance of public service while government can expect younger and more compelling workforce in the next generation. (DSWD)