The government through the DOLE-Government Internship Program (DOLE-GIP) provides an internship opportunity for college graduates/undergraduates who are pursuing a career in government. The program aims to provide opportunities for young workers to serve the general public through the projects and services of government agencies and offices at both local and national level.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, 169 interns were deployed last May in the two congressional districts of the province including the Municipality of Kalawit in Zamboanga Del Norte. They were assigned in the offices of the 17 Local Government Units, the provincial offices of the two members of the House of Representatives, offices of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Integrated Provincial Health Office, national agencies like DTI, DOST, DepEd, TESDA, DAR, DA, DENR, and the CSC.

Outstanding Student to Remarkable Intern: The Story of Junelle Rey Hawom.

Junelle Rey Hawom, an intern, assigned at the DENR Provincial Office considers this opportunity as a blessing and hopes to gain new knowledge and valuable work experience for the duration of his employment.

Junelle, graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Mindanao State University-Buug Campus. He was conferred with the Most Outstanding Student Award. Junelle is the second child of Mrs. Rescilla Hawom, a Day Care Teacher of Barangay Ginabucan, R.T.Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay. Her mother is a single parent who solely provides for the needs of her family. Junelle hopes to help his mother financially by doing well in his job.

Junelle works as a Field Assistant of Mr. Dionisio Rago, the Forestry Specialist of PENRO Sibugay. His work includes technical and documentation assistance in the in the different programs and services for the management of forest lands. Junelle feels that his work exposure with PENRO is very valuable because it is relevant to his skills and knowledge which is very important in developing and maintaining a strong professional career for the future. He has also fulfilled his promise to give his first salary to his mother.

Internship to Employment: The Story of Nikka Elaine Salinas

Nikka Elaine Salinas is another intern assigned at LGU-Ipil who was recommended for a Job Order Status at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for the KALAHI-CIDSS Project after she was discovered working as a GIP for one month.

Nikka is a Computer Science graduate of Marian College in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. During her internship she was assigned to various offices like the Public Employment Service Office, Accounting Division, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). Her tasks include preparation of financial documents, database encoding, press release and other documentation tasks.

Nikka feels that the Government Internship Program has become a blessing and a bridge for her towards her new employment. It is through this program that she developed a good work ethic by being always willing to learn new things and taking on responsibilities that her supervisor entrusted her.

The stories of Junelle and Nikka are examples of what the government wants to promote to the younger generation, empowering the youth to a better life by demonstrating their talents and skills in the field of public service.

Edyll Grace P. Poligrates, DOLE ZSFO