JULY 16, 2023: A glimpse at the facade of the Cebu City Hall. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A proposed ordinance to institutionalize the deployment of student interns in all offices in the Cebu City government is being pushed at the Cebu City Council
“There is a need to highlight the importance of literacy and education given the Singapore-like Cebu City vision would be better achieved by providing strong partnership with the academe in providing quality education,” said Councilor Rey Gealon, the author of this proposed ordinance, who submitted his proposal on October 13.
It will be up for first reading in the council’s next regular session on Wednesday, October 25.
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Student internship programs
Gealon added that the internship of students would not only enrich their education, knowledge and skills, but would also give them hands-on experience on how to provide a better future for themselves and their family.
He also noted that various universities and colleges utilized the national government agencies and local government units for the student internship programs.
Student Interns Deployment Ordinance
His proposed ordinance is entitled, “Student Interns Deployment Ordinance,” which aims to immerse student interns in a real work environment.
The proposed ordinance also aims to provide local government offices with assistance of qualified interns, contribute to economic and exigency measures adopted by the Cebu City government; and foster strong partnership between the local government and higher educational institutions.
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Eligibility, qualifications
Under the Section 6 of his proposal, the student intern is eligible for deployment if he or she:
- Is officially enrolled in the current school year as required by his/her program of study;
- Is formally endorsed by the Dean;
- Has an approved internship plan;
- Has parental consent; and
- Can show proof of medical/life insurance coverage.
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Competencies required
Among the competencies required for the student interns are their proficiency in English and Filipino language, and literacy in computer in standard software application.
The duration of internship would be dependent on the requirement of a particular program of study.
Internship assignments would also be available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments, and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise student interns.
No cash benefit from the city
And under Section 12, the student intern should not expect any cash allowance or any cash benefit from the city, but the city may provide travel allowance which is subject to availability of funds.
Moreover, the student intern could not represent the office in any official capacity.
Among the benefits that the student intern could have during their assignment is a workstation/desk and chair.
The student interns would also be able to access to the work area, phone, and computer facility of the Cebu City government.
Under the proposal, the city government could consider a job opportunity for the student intern after the termination of their internship.
Gealon told CDN Digital that the proposed ordinance provides for the framework and clear-cut guidelines on handling and facilitating student internship programs with the city government.
The councilor added that it would also lay out the roles of the parties in categorical terms, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the receiving office, internship focal person, student interns, and faculty internship coordinator.