ZAMBOANGA CITY– “Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who work for it.” This must be a relatable phrase for the 108 applicants who attended the Government Internship Program (GIP) Interview and Orientation which the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 Zamboanga del Norte Field Office conducted on May 3, 2021 at the at Congressional Office, Dapitan City.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the GIP is one of DOLE’s banner programs which provides three to six (3-6) month’s internship opportunities for high school, technical-vocational, or college graduates who want to pursue a career in public service in either local or national government.

“At the same time, the stipend that they receive could be used to augment their family’s income especially in these challenging times of the pandemic”, he added.

During the orientation proper, 1st Congressional District Representative, Romeo “Kuya Jan-jan” Jalosjos Jr., delivered his welcome remarks and thanked the DOLE and other partner agencies for the opportunity given to the beneficiaries for their exposure in the government services.

ZDNFO Chief Lourdes B. Amores and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Aileen B. Mondejar led the orientation for the beneficiaries focusing on the program’s guidelines. A contract signing between DOLE and the interns took place subsequently.

Applicants were from 8 various municipalities namely La Libertad, Piñan, Sibutad, Rizal, Polanco, Sergio Osmeña, Mutia and Dapitan City all in Zamboanga del Norte. The interns will be deployed to different government offices for a period of 6 months beginning on May 17, 2021.

They will receive a stipend equivalent to the existing regional daily minimum wage of Php 316.00 and will be covered by accident insurance with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). END/Karen Grafia With a report from Rowena Clemenia, ZDNFO