LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has employed 80 youths in its office in the Bicol region and various local government units (LGUs) as part of the annual Government Internship Program (GIP).
Lloyd Lara, DSWD 5 (Bicol) youth focal person, said the employed youth under GIP will receive a stipend of PHP217.50 daily for 30 days, which is 75 percent of the current regional minimum wage rate.
"The payment will be computed based on the actual working days rendered and (an) accomplishment report is required as basis for payment and they can claim their stipend, after completing 30 days, at the regional office while a cash payout will be scheduled for those deployed at the LGUs,” Lara said.
The program started last April 16 and would end on May 28.
Employed youths are expected to perform office and community work and assist in the implementation of DSWD programs and projects.
Radley Nuñez of Malinao, Albay, one of this year’s GIP beneficiaries who is currently deployed at the DSWD’s Office of the Regional Director, expects to receive PHP6,525 if there is no attrition during the 30-day work duration.
Nuñez said he would buy school supplies and entrust the remaining amount to his parents.
“The GIP is one of the government’s ways to prepare our youth as future public servants,” he said.
DSWD-Bicol Director Arnel Garcia said on Tuesday “the GIP is also a chance for the youth participants to learn life skills in the workplace and earn additional money to defray a part of their school fees.”
GIP is one of the components of the Kabataan 2000 program of the government.
"It aims to provide in-school and out-of-school youths an opportunity to learn about the government and develop skills by hands-on experience to work in the government, which they can use if they decide to join public service in the future," he said. (PNA)
