Honing and acquiring employability skills, improving one’s confidence, and gaining experiences and acquaintances are just some benefits for students doing an internship.

With this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 opened its door to student interns through its Student Program Training (STP) to allow students to get a sneak peek of how it is working in the department.

With the ongoing validation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, some of these student interns were assigned to National Household Targeting Section (NHTS) or Listahanan to experience encoding, which is crucial in determining the poverty status of a family or household.

Eljonah, Irish, and Kerstel are some of the students who shared a glimpse of their experience in Listahanan:

Eljonah L. Cañete

“These mountains of HAFs made me realize how many people wanted to become included in the 4Ps”

Eljonah Cañete, a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication from Cebu Eastern College, said she was nervous and excited when she learned of her assignment in the Social Marketing Unit (SMU). “Nag-abot ang kakulba ug kabugnaw sa akong kalawasan nga akong nahibaw-an nga into articles ang office. I know myself well and writing is not my strength but I took it as an opportunity and amazingly, I learned something every day.”

Cañete wanted to be in a program that could change the lives of those who are in need. “My eyes are open to the reality that many families are hungry, and some need help from the government. So I really want to help in this program not just to do my tasks as an intern but to really help the most deserving and in need”. With this, she welcomes an additional task from Listahanan.

As an encoder, Cañete was surprised to see the piles of HAFs that the field office had to encode. “This gives me a picture of how many people wanted and hoped to be included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.” She realized how blessed their family is even if they are not included in the program.

Irish B. Adolfo

“Experience is knowledge”

Irish B. Adolfo, a 25-year-old student of College of Technological Sciences – Cebu, taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, wanted to learn not just for the internship but what it’s like to be an employee to prepare her for any future employment.

As an intern assigned as a verifier, she learned to check the details and make sure it is correct for every form, which equals the life of a family. She also assists other interns if they have questions that she can answer.

“On my first day as an intern, I was nervous because it’s my first time in real work. Yet, my excitement in learning that I will get overpowered my nervousness. I always tell myself that I can do this. Whatever experiences I encounter will always be a part of my learning and growing because I believe that experience is knowledge.”

Kerstel M. Mendoza

“Attention to detail is important”

This 19-year-old ABM student (Accountancy, Business and Management) from Lahug National High School started her internship on Feb 20, 2023, with other students from different schools.

During her first week, she enjoyed meeting other students and workers. She also appreciated the work given to her.

“As an encoder, I improved my typing skills, and learned that attention to detail is important.”

Aside from encoding, Mendoza was also assigned to do barcoding, and verifying of HAfs. She finds tagging, assessing the form, and understanding some of the handwriting very challenging.

“I have learned a lot here in DSWD, the workers are very welcoming and warm. They help me improve my skills and broaden my knowledge. Also, the working environment is very nice and comfortable.”

After being exposed to the DSWD workplace, these young and hardworking student interns appreciated the value of serving the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged in society. Every HAF she encoded is a potential family for inclusion in the program that could help uplift their lives because Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Sa DSWD. ###

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