Zamboanga Sibugay - A meaningful Labor Day was celebrated last May 01, 2014 as 160 applicants were employed under the Government Internship Program (GIP) under the Department of Labor and Employment. This is the Department's thrust to achieve inclusive growth by focusing on indigent young workers, inviting them to obtain work experience in government through the DOLE-GIP.

The orientation and signing of MOU was led by the Field Office Head of DOLE-Zamboanga Sibugay, Mr. Elamsalih E. Ungad together with the 169 interns, PESO Managers and the representatives from the office of the Congressman of the 1st and 2nd districts respectively. In his message to the interns, Senior LEO Ungad gave emphasis on the importance of developing a strong work ethic and values as a new breed of young public servants.

The DOLE-GIP provides an internship opportunity for college graduates/undergraduates who are pursuing a career in government. The GIP is a component of the government's Kabataan 2000 project under Executive Order No. 139 Series of 1993, which aimed to provide opportunities for young workers to serve the general public through the projects and services of government agencies and offices at both local and national level.

In Sibugay the 169 interns will be spread out in the two congressional districts of the province including the Municipality of Kalawit in Zamboanga Del Norte. They will work in the offices of the 17 Local Government Units, the provincial offices of the two members of the House of Representatives, offices of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Integrated Provincial Health Office, national agencies like DTI, DOST, DepEd, TESDA, DAR, DA, DENR, CSC, and the LBP.

Their employment duration covers 132 days, from May 05, 2014 up to November 05, 2014. Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of P 210 or 75% of the daily minimum wage for apprentices and learners.

For Junelle Rey Hawom, an intern who will be assigned to the DENR Provincial Office considers this opportunity as a blessing and hopes to gain new knowledge and valuable work experience for the duration of his employment.

Junelle, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Mindanao State University-Buug Campus wherein he was awarded with the Most Outstanding Student Award. He is the second child of Mrs. Rescilla Hawom, a Day Care Teacher of Barangay Ginabucan, R.T.Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay and a single parent who solely provides for the needs of her family. Junelle hopes to help his family financially by doing well in his job.

The program aims beyond exposing and training interns like Junelle in a government office setting. It also provides them an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and skills in the field of public service.

Documented by Edyll Grace P. Poligrates