Antique: A total of 2,742 residents of Antique have enrolled in the Department of Labor and Employment's Government Internship Program (DOLE-GIP), aimed at providing training opportunities in government service.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ma. Cecilia Acebuque, the DOLE Antique provincial director, stated that the province has been running the GIP since January, with the majority of the interns commencing their roles in the first week of March. The program is designed to allocate funds to local government units (LGUs) or national agencies for hiring graduates or interns.

"The GIP intends to provide opportunities for Grade 12 learners and college students who have not continued their studies but wish to gain work experience in the government," Acebuque remarked. Additionally, DOLE offers certificates of employment to those who complete their contracts, aiding them in future job searches.

Participants in the GIP work for a period of 132 days, or six months, earning a daily wage of PHP513, which aligns with the minimum wage in Western Visayas. Acebuque encourages LGUs to consider hiring GIP beneficiaries as full-time employees after their internship, as they are already familiar with the job requirements.

For those interested in joining the GIP, coordination with the LGUs through their Public Employment Service Officers (PESO) is necessary. The PESO will refer applicants to the DOLE provincial office for further assessment and potential hiring.