Manila, Philippines — In an aim of improving internship experience for Filipino youth, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) orders reform for the Government Internship Program (GIP), shifting its focus from short term work exposure to structured and long term professional development for Filipino Youth.
DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino signed Department Order No. 204-C, Series of 2026 on Thursday, with the program covering government interns and partner agencies across the public sector.
It also aims to strengthen the implementation of the program and to provide greater protection for Interns and Partner Agencies, while also enhancing the Filipino Youth’s employability and expanding their access to job opportunities.
Beyond short-term income, the program meant to serve as a stepping stone toward long term public service careers.
Under the reformed guidelines, internships will now run to three to six months, through extensions within the same agency.
Interns recommended for renewal are assigned tasks tied to future contractual, casual, or permanent government roles, while partner agencies must also submit performance evaluations and hiring intent for returning interns, subject to Civil Service Commission rules.—Lian Viray, Contributor