The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA formally welcomed one hundred (100) beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP) during the conduct of the Orientation and Onboarding Activity held on May 25, 2026.

The activity marked the official deployment of young interns who will serve across various offices and operational units of the Department within the MIMAROPA Region. Conducted through a hybrid setup via Google Meet and onsite reporting offices, the orientation aimed to prepare the interns for their roles in supporting the delivery of government programs and services.

In his opening message, DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales emphasized the important role of the youth in nation-building and public service. He encouraged the interns to maximize the opportunity by gaining meaningful experiences, developing professional competencies, and actively contributing to the Department’s mandate of serving vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors.

As part of the onboarding process, the interns were oriented on the Department’s mandate, organizational structure, core functions, and major programs and services. The discussion was facilitated by Jamuel P. Balaboco, Learning and Development Section Head of the Human Resource Management and Development Division (HRMDD), who introduced the interns to the agency’s commitment to responsive and compassionate public service.

Meanwhile, Heintjielou M. Mateo, Community-Based Services Youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Sectoral Focal, discussed the overview of the Government Internship Program, including its objectives, policies, workplace expectations, and the significant role of the youth in supporting government initiatives and community development efforts.

The onboarding activity successfully prepared the 100 GIP beneficiaries who will be \assigned to the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams, Municipal and Provincial Operations Offices, and the MIMAROPA Youth Center across the region.

Through the continued implementation of the Government Internship Program, DSWD FO MIMAROPA reaffirms its commitment to empowering the youth sector by providing opportunities for skills development, exposure to public service, and meaningful participation in nation-building initiatives.