DSWD opens government internship program for college students

CEBU, Philippines — College students interested in gaining first-hand experience working with the government can now apply for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) nationwide Government Internship Program (GIP).

The program is open to college students aged 18 to 25, preferably those entering their 3rd or 4th year in the upcoming academic year, according to the DSWD.

“This is an opportunity for college students to learn life skills in the workplace and at the same time earn money to defray their school expenses,” said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao in a statement.

GIP participants assigned to the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City will take on tasks such as administrative work, recording and tracking documents, liaising with other offices, photocopying, and encoding reports, among others, Asec. Dumlao added. Those assigned to field offices will support the operations of the DSWD’s regional counterparts.

Each DSWD Field Office (FO) will offer 75 internship slots, while the Central Office will accommodate 35 interns.

In addition to the age requirement, applicants must come from families whose monthly income does not exceed the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) most recent regional poverty threshold.

Selected interns will receive a stipend equivalent to 75% of the regional minimum wage (based on November 2022 rates) for 30 working days of service.

The GIP is implemented during the summer break to allow students to use their free time productively. From 2017 to 2024, nearly 8,000 college students have benefited from the program, gaining practical work experience and a deeper understanding of public service.

Applicants interested in joining the DSWD Central Office may contact Verlan Rosales, youth program focal person of the Sectoral Programs Division of the DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau, via email at [email protected].

Students from various regions are advised to reach out to their respective DSWD Field Office and look for the youth program focal person.

In Central Visayas, applicants may visit https://fo7.dswd.gov.ph/, check the Facebook page @dswdfo7, search for DSWD Region VII, or go directly to the office at MJ Cuenco corner General Maxilom Avenue in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.(CEBU NEWS)