The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging graduates and job hunters to avail of the Government Internship Program (GIP) and gain exposure on government and public service.

Emerito Narag, DOLE-Cordillera Assistant Director, said in an interview Tuesday there are currently 94 GIP grantees working as regular, job order or contract of service employees.

Of the total, 16 joined the regional offices of national government agencies; 26 are employed in the local government of Apayao; three in Abra; three in Baguio and Benguet; 36 in Ifugao; and 10 in Kalinga.

GIP is a DOLE-implemented program that allocates funds to local government units or national line agencies to hire graduates or interns.

They perform office functions while receiving the basic minimum wage in the region.

It’s a six-month program that can be extended if necessary.

“The program grantees receive mentoring and coaching which will improve their skills and their work attitude, giving them a higher chance of being employed, including a chance to join the government,” Narag said.

Ethel Dacanay, who initially applied under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and later on for the GIP, is now working as DOLE livelihood development specialist.

“When I was (working as) a GIP (beneficiary), I experienced talking to office clients (and) that boosted my self-confidence. I also learned to do the job that office employees perform on a daily basis. I came to appreciate what we do so I applied as a job order employee,” she said in an interview.

She said the salary she received under SPES helped pay for her school fees but under the GIP, she not only received additional funds but also more experience. (PNA)