The Department of the Interior and Local GovernmentâNational Capital Region (DILG-NCR) concluded its 2025 Haraya ng Mabuting Pamamahala Internship Program with a heartfelt closing ceremony held at the DILG-NCR Regional Office, honoring the contributions and personal growth of student-interns from four academic institutions.
The program welcomed students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), Villagers Montessori College, STI College, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), providing them with real-world experience in governance, policy work, and community engagement.
In her message, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III emphasized how the program exceeded expectations and underscored the transformative power of public service:
“From the very beginning, this program was envisioned as a space for learning, growth, and service. What we have witnessed over the past weeks and months has far exceeded our expectations. We hope you look back on this internship not only with pride, but with a deeper sense of commitment to continue the journey you have started. The seeds you planted here will grow, not only in the institutions you have touched, but in the kind of leader you are becoming,â RD Agustin emphasized.
Across the board, interns from all four participating institutions shared personal reflections that underscored the lasting impact of their experience with DILG-NCR. More than just an academic requirement, the internship became a formative chapter in their lives, one that deepened their understanding of public service and instilled a genuine appreciation for ethical governance.
Many expressed how they felt welcomed, valued, and trusted by the DILG-NCR personnel, not merely as observers but as young professionals capable of contributing meaningfully. Whether through participation in meetings, involvement in policy research, or assisting in public assistance with community engagement initiatives, the interns shared a common sentiment: they felt seen, heard, and empowered. This sense of belonging left a profound impression, making them feel part of the DILG-NCR workforce and affirming their potential as future leaders in public service.
In her closing message, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV offered a powerful reflection on the importance of youth leadership grounded in values and authenticity:
“Thank you for embracing the values of mabuting pamamahala. Thank you for being curious, for asking difficult questions, for offering solutions, and for showing us what responsible, ethical, and people-centered leadership can look like. These stories are powerful. They inspire change, they encourage dialogue, and they breathe new life into our mission,â ARD Baltazar-Cortez mentioned.
The Haraya ng Mabuting Pamamahala Internship Program reflects DILG-NCRâs ongoing commitment to empowering young people as future leaders who champion good governance, civic responsibility, and community development. As these interns return to the community, they carry forward not only the knowledge they gained but the values that define effective and compassionate public service.