Salary for government interns pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City South District Representative Eduardo Rama is pushing for the institutionalization of the government internship program that gives interns serving government agencies salaries.

Under House Bill 6926 or the Government Internship Program of 2022, all interns serving the agencies and offices in the government will be receiving a salary grade 1.

The Government Internship Program aims to provide opportunities and to engage the youth to serve the general public in government agencies and offices, both at national and local levels.

Filed in January 2023, the bill gives an opportunity to the youth aged 18 to 30 years old with no work experience, to avail of the program as long as they meet the qualifications stated under Section 7 of the proposed measure.

“The program offers an opportunity to individuals who are considering entering the civil service and who wish to learn from public servants. It also provides an avenue for these young interns to bring in their energy, idealism, and their attitude towards innovation, to government service,” said Rama.

The program is also open to individuals with “disadvantages” like victims of armed conflict, rebel returnees, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and even indigenous beneficiaries.

Rama said the current practice of the internship adds a burden to students because some do not receive an allowance or stipend.

"We have proposed that interns shall be provided with a stipend amounting to 75% of the existing rate of Step 1, Salary Grade 1 of the government salary standardization law, with this, we can encourage more interns to take their internship in government offices," added Rama.

Under the GIP, the internship period shall be for a period of three to six months.

Interns will also be entitled to insurance coverage of not less than P50,000 under the proposed bill.

Interns will also get a chance to be hired or absorbed as contractual, temporary, or regular employees.

"Given that this program provides a stipend to every individual enrolled in the GIP, we will also be prioritizing those that are in need such as the indigents. So, applicants with a Certificate of Indigency shall be prioritized."

Should the bill be passed into law, the Department of Labor and Employment shall manage and supervise the implementation of the program.

"As someone who entered public service at a young age, I can say that this program will surely open a lot of doors for interested applicants and provide them with a fruitful experience, while also giving them a new appreciation for public service and volunteerism. Serving the public, doing something that helps improve people’s lives, gives you a deep sense of fulfillment which I hope they experience,” explained Rama. — GMR  (FREEMAN)