Over 4,000 CL graduates join DOLE-III gov’t internship program in 2024
By Leezen Morten, CLTV36 News
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA – The Department of Labor and Employment-Central Luzon (DOLE-III) on Tuesday, September 17, reported 4,100 young graduates who will undergo their expanded Government Internship Program (GIP) this year.
DOLE-III Assistant Regional Director Alejandro Cruz, during the 17th episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Gitnang Luzon, noted that the internship program is a move to address youth unemployment and equip the next generation with practical skills and a sense of civic duty.
“GIP allows our unemployed youth graduates to participate, be employed, and gain experience in public service as government,” Cruz explained.
The GIP provides a unique opportunity for interns to gain hands-on experience in public service while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
This year’s expansion has seen partnerships with 21 national government agencies, offering diverse internship opportunities.
Among the agency’s notable collaborations is with the Pampanga provincial government which allowed interns to support the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) Community Learning Centers, addressing a critical need in the education sector.
The GIP’s success extends beyond providing work experience, as evidenced by the increasing number of interns who secure permanent employment.
In 2023, 55 out of 3,251 beneficiaries were absorbed by the program’s agency partners. The program has already seen 56 interns transition into full-time roles this year.
“They could visit DOLE, sa ating mga provincial offices, dalhin po ‘yung mga requirements, and hahanapan po sila ng ating mga partner agencies where they could be absorbed,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, Cruz also noted that the agency recorded some 15,000 students benefiting from the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) this year.
SPES, a flagship employment program of DOLE, enables students to earn income during their school break while gaining valuable work experience and investing in the future workforce of Central Luzon.