Iloilo Capitol grants PHP 1.36 million to 112 interns

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A total of 112 beneficiaries of the Iloilo Provincial Government’s youth employment initiatives received PHP 1,366,400 in financial assistance through the Provincial Internship Program (PIP) and the Short-Term Employment Program (STEP).

The Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), released the allowances during payouts held on July 21–22 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The beneficiaries were assigned to various municipalities, partner institutions, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter, and the offices of members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as part of their internship and short-term employment placements.

Before receiving their allowances, the beneficiaries underwent post-orientation and foundational skills training conducted by Labor and Employment Officer I Edzel M. Diaday and Labor and Employment Assistant Liramy Cantero to prepare them for their respective assignments.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, representing Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., encouraged the interns to complete their education and maximize the opportunity, saying the work experience would help prepare them for future careers.

PESO Manager Dr. Cynthia Dario likewise urged the beneficiaries to maximize the knowledge and skills they gain from their internships, emphasizing the programs’ role in improving their employability.

The PIP and STEP are among the Iloilo Provincial Government’s employment initiatives designed to provide students and young job seekers with temporary work opportunities, practical experience, and financial assistance while helping them develop workplace skills.

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) serves as the provincial government’s frontline agency for employment facilitation, implementing job placement, internship, and livelihood programs in coordination with local government units and partner institutions.