The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) today provided updates on the implementation of its Government Internship Program (GIP) for the year.

Taking into great consideration the safety and protection of the youth from the continuing threat of COVID-19, the Department announced that it has decided to postpone the GIP for 2021.

The DSWD explained that the decision to postpone the internship program was part of the DSWD’s continued adherence to the Inter-Agency Task Force  Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine, particularly on setting of age restrictions for the public allowed to go out of their homes.  This is also in compliance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of 2020 on Alternative Work Arrangements and Support Mechanisms, specifically on reduced workforce in government offices to ensure that the appropriate social distancing measures are established.

The DSWD emphasized that it upholds the right to participation and self-development of the youth, but it is also deeply concerned with the health of the GIP participants. The postponement will ensure the safety and protection of the Department’s personnel and the youth interns, who are among the vulnerable groups.

GIP is a component of the Kabataan 2000 program of the government which was developed to provide an opportunity for both out-of-school and in-school youth with hands-on experience of working in different government agencies. The experience introduces the youth to public service which can later help them as they eventually join the workforce.

The GIP is open to individuals who are 18-25 years old, high school graduates or TESDA Certificate holders or Alternative Learning System certificate holders or holders of any similar certificate issued by the Department of Education or Commission on Higher Education. Members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), youth beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and youth included in the Listahanan identified poor family are also prioritized in the program.

The GIP is implemented in the DSWD Central Office and all its Regional Offices. Under the program, the Department provides the qualified youth with a daily stipend for 30 days amounting to 75% of the regional wage rate. The GIP is implemented in the months of April and May during the  school break of students.

Over the years, the program has helped the youth gain useful experience in public service and learn the value of earning from the fruits of their hard work. ###