Fifteen government agencies and three local government units (LGUs) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 13 (Caraga Region) on Tuesday afternoon to implement the Government Internship Program (GIP) this year.

DOLE-13 Director Joffrey Suyao and Governor Santiago Cane Jr. led the MOA signing, marking the start of the GIP implementation in the region.

“The primary objective of the GIP is to engage young workers in meaningful work experiences within the public sector, allowing them to contribute to the government’s initiatives while gaining valuable skills and insights into the workings of public service,” Suyao said in his message during the activity.

DOLE-13 aims to enlist 547 young workers as interns, who will be deployed to collaborate with various government agencies and LGUs in the region, he said.

Selected interns are expected to work for a minimum period of three months, with a maximum duration of six months, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of governmental functions and the opportunity to make tangible impacts in their communities.

The government agencies involved in the GIP partnership are the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Philippine Information Agency, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and Cooperative Development Authority.

Also included are the Professional Regulation Commission, Human Settlements Adjudication Commission, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Population and Development, Department of Agriculture, Office of Civil Defense, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and Public Employment Services Office.

The three LGUs are the province of Agusan del Sur, the city of Surigao, and the municipality of Madrid in Surigao del Sur.

At least PHP27.3 million has been allocated for the GIP program in the region for 2024, underscoring the government’s commitment to investing in developing its youth workforce.

Cane described the program a platform for professional growth and development that would contribute to building a more inclusive and competent government responsive to the needs and aspirations of the region.

The GIP is a component of the KABATAAN 2000 under Executive Order 139, series of 1993, and DOLE Administrative Order 260-15. (PNA)