BONTOC, Mountain Province – The municipal government, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has once again launched the Government Internship Program (GIP).
The fund allotted for Bontoc for the GIP was realized through the official travels of Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., outside the province to secure funding for the implementation of various programs and projects that benefit the community.
This significant effort of the municipal government aims to provide temporary employment opportunities to eligible residents of Bontoc, offering them a chance to gain work experience while earning a livelihood.
Relative to this, a total of 50 individuals who were employed under the program underwent an orientation seminar at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium on September 2, 2024 as a mandatory step before they begin their duties. It serves as a vital foundation that would prepare the GIP interns for their roles by aligning their expectations with the program’s objectives while versing them on their roles in the government offices they are assigned.
According to Labor and Employment Officer Jenelyn Caluza, the GIP interns will render their service to their designated office or workplace for four months, earning a minimum wage for approximately 22 working days each month. This means that their compensation is aligned with the minimum wage rate of the region. They will receive their stipend through their ATM cards which is one of the requirements that the interns provided when they applied for the program.
While the interns do not receive benefits like regular government employees, Caluza emphasized that they will gain valuable opportunities and experience. The GIP interns will also receive a certificate of completion upon completion of their working days which can aid in securing future employment.
Caluza then introduced the focal person for GIP from the DOLE, who provided a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation guidelines.
She urged the GIP interns to pay close attention, stressing that this would enhance their understanding of the program and their functions as the program’s beneficiaries.
Labor and Employment Officer Caria Big-asan from DOLE-Mountain Province explained that the primary goal of the GIP is to provide opportunities for young individuals, especially recent college graduates, is to offer young individuals, especially recent college graduates, the chance to enhance their skills and gain working experience in the government. The program provides internship opportunities for high school, technical-vocational, or college graduates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Further, Big-asan also highlighted that the initiative aims to showcase the individuals’ talents and skills in public service and serves as a platform for identifying those with excellent work performance to pursue potential careers in government.
In his message, Tudlong expressed his gratitude to DOLE for their ongoing support.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to DOLE for your unwavering support and partnership in our commitment to providing valuable opportunities for our youth,” stated the Mayor.
He encouraged the GIP participants to gain as much experience as possible from their assigned offices and noted that the GIP interns are lucky, mentioning that Bontoc is the only municipality in the region receiving the GIP.
Likewise, the mayor assured the continuous collaboration of the Bontoc LGU with various agencies, including DOLE and the Office of Congressman Dalog, to provide ongoing employment opportunities for the community.
Mayor Tudlong also shared his personal experience with the interns, advising them to remain positive despite the temporary nature of their present jobs.
“When I was a fresh graduate applying for a job at MPSPC, now Mountain Province State University (MPSU), I was not hired at first but I did not give up. I applied repeatedly, showing respect to the hiring panel even when I was not selected. Eventually, my persistence paid off, and I started in a job order position. Despite its temporary status, I did my best, enjoyed the work, learned, and grew as a better person both in my work and personal life. So, it pays to be humble, patient, and committed to doing your job,” Tudlong added.
This initiative is part of the present administration’s roadmap ENLANGAKHA: Achieving The Vision for A Dynamic Bontoc. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan
