DSWD-Davao Disburses PHP700,000 in Stipends to Youth Interns, Expands Skills Training Initiatives

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao (DSWD-11) announced on Wednesday that it has allocated more than PHP700,000 in stipends to support 75 members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) throughout the Davao Region. These stipends were granted for their participation in the Government Internship Program (GIP) covering July through September.

According to the agency, each intern received a payment of PHP9,607.50 corresponding to 30 days of service rendered between June 2 and July 31. DSWD-11 highlighted that the program aims to empower young individuals by providing avenues for capacity-building, civic participation, and the development of practical skills.

"This stipend serves not only as financial support but as an acknowledgment of the vital contributions of our youth in public service and community development," the department stated.

In complement to the internship program, DSWD-11 has recently entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Davao (TESDA-11) and the Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao (BPI-11) on September 23. This partnership is designed to deliver vocational training and livelihood programs including, but not limited to, Bread and Pastry Production.

Regional Director Rhuelo Aradanas expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that these programs are intended to enhance employability and equip young people with marketable skills.

Since 2017, the tri-agency collaboration has successfully trained over 475 residents of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in various trades such as masonry, welding, housekeeping, motorcycle servicing, agriculture, and food services, reinforcing the commitment to youth development and empowerment.