SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 5 (DA-RFO 5) has officially started the deployment of interns under its 2025 Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) on May 5, 2025.

DA Bicol welcomes the 20 successful applicants, including five persons with disabilities (PWDs), who were chosen from a competitive pool of 234 applicants.

Applicants underwent a qualifying examination on April 22, 2025. From this group, the top 50 candidates were shortlisted and invited for interviews conducted on April 29, 2025. After careful deliberation, 20 interns were selected to participate in this year’s program.

Running until July 8, the internship will immerse participants in various field and office-based activities across DA-RFO 5’s divisions and operating units.

The program is designed to give youth including college-level students, senior high school graduates, out-of-school, and differently abled individuals a practical understanding of agriculture-related work and government operations, while encouraging them to consider careers in the agriculture sector.

Interns will receive financial compensation throughout the program as part of the government’s initiative to support youth development and workforce readiness.

The inclusion of five PWDs in the final roster reflects the departments commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity in public service programs. (Angela Mae Lafuente – RAFIS 5)