BAGUIO CITY – “Tinanggap ko na, hindi ko na itutuloy ang pagiging nurse. Alam kong marami rin akong matutulungan sa labas ng ward”. These were the words of Allen Jay Bonoy, a registered nurse, when asked why he chose to stay in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) despite the vast opportunities for nurses abroad and continues to serve as a Project Development Officer II under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
In 2011, Allen finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing, took up units in Education and passed the licensure exam for teachers in 2012. A registered nurse and a licensed teacher, Allen seems to have had the advantage over others who are also looking for a job. But while waiting for possible employment, Allen was introduced to the Government Internship Program (GIP) under the DSWD. With the passion to serve the people, he was hired as a GIP Intern in the Disaster Management and Crisis Intervention Section (DMCIS) from 2 May to 25 June 2012.
“Second priority ko naman talaga noon ang pagpasok sa DSWD. Pero noong nasa CIU ako, nakita at nakasalamuha ko yung mga tao na lumalapit para humingi ng tulong. Doon, nakita ko yung importansya ng mga ginagawa namin [sa DSWD] para sa kanila”, Allen shared.
In the Disaster Management and Crisis Intervention Section (DMCIS), individuals in crisis situation are being assisted based on the assessment and findings of social workers. These individuals are those who are in need of immediate interventions.
After serving as a GIP intern, Allen had the opportunity to apply for higher positions in the Department. Days after his internship, he was hired as the Supply Officer under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. He was later on promoted as the Project Development Officer I or the Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Abra and Apayao. Just nine (9) months after, Allen was hired as the Project Development Officer II serving as the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Focal Person under the same program which a position he holds until now.
“Noong GIP [intern] ako, na-experience ko na tinanong ako bakit daw nurse ako tapos nasa DSWD. Kaya na-challenge ako na mag-pursige pa. Gusto kong patunayan sa kanila na mayroon akong maibabahagi sa DSWD”, Allen reminisced.
As the IP Focal Person, Allen is given the opportunity to interact with the various Indigenous People’s groups in the Cordillera Region. “Bilang isa ring IP, I take pride that I might be able to serve as the bridge to bring them closer to the Government. Lalong napapaigting yung kagustuhan ko na mag-stay sa Department. Kasi gusto ko na mabigyan ng pagkakaton ang mga IPs na matanggap yung mga programa at serbisyo na nararapat para sakanila”, he added.
Co-workers in the Department also see this passion. “Nakita ng mga CSO partners ng Department yung commitment at passion nya sa kanyang ginagawa. Napaka hands-on nya sa mga kailangang gawin. He always strives for excellence and self- development,” a co-worker shared.
“Di ako nagsisisi na andito ako sa DSWD. At proud ako na nag-umpisa ako bilang GIP intern dahil ang dami kong natutunan noon. Marami akong natutunan na di tinuturo sa loob ng eskwelahan. Natuto akong makisalamuha sa tao. Natuto ako ng mga proseso sa loob ng opisina. Pero higit sa lahat, natutunan ko na ang pagsisilbi ay wala sa kung anong natapos mo o kung anong posisyon mo. Kasi kahit noong GIP ako, alam kong may mga natulungan na ako,” Allen shared.
The Government Internship Program (GIP) is one of the programs of the Government for the youth which encourages high school and college students and out-of-school youth (OSYs) to engage in constructive and productive activities. They are being hired in Government offices to provide them hands on experience and opportunity to gain economically. The GIP was first implemented in the region in 2012.
