The DILG National Capital Region, through the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) welcomed interns Clyde Pierre E. Monsalud and Sophia Kristel T. Buco, both taking up Bachelor of Public Administration from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, in the Department’s Hiraya ng Mabuting Pamamahala Internship Program. Both students started their internship journey in October of 2024 and were introduced to the different regional divisions and units of the Department’s operations. Throughout their exposure, they were tasked to study trends and analyze data on revenue collection and business registration in the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) program of the DILG.

In their discussion in the regional flag raising ceremony held on Monday, February 24, 2025, both interns expressed their deeper understanding of how improving the ease of doing business affects the broader economy and society. From studying the data and trends of the different local government units, they learned that effective governance hinges on both digital innovation and the will to foster an environment that supports fair, transparent, and efficient systems. They also realized that while progress has been made, the ongoing efforts to refine and promote these programs are crucial in ensuring the benefits and contributing gains while minimizing losses in revenue under the EODB program.

In her remarks, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III praised the interns for their diligence in studying the EODB data. She commended that these takeaways heighten the call for the workforce to intensify the EODB campaign to all the local government units. 

“The interns’ takeaways have allowed us to see through their lens the impact of the Department’s programs. We hope that the Department’s engagements built with the youth and the academic institutions are able to help in shaping them become public servants in the future,” RD Agustin mentioned.

The DILG-NCR’s Hiraya ng Mabuting Pamamahala Internship Program significantly fortifies the organization by providing essential support for ongoing initiatives, fostering innovation, and preparing the next generation of public service leaders. It also helps enhance organizational culture, builds capacity among staff, and strengthens ties between the academe and the local government. 

Through the active participation of interns in the programs, projects and activities, the DILG-NCR not only amplifies its work but also nurtures the future of governance in the National Capital Region, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of its mission, by infusing fresh ideas and perspectives through public engagement with the youth of today.