29/09/2026
๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ซ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐น๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
EARLIER TODAY | In line with the directive of DOLE Secretary Atty. Francis N. Tolentino to advance employment opportunities and strengthen programs that prepare young Filipinos for the world of work, the Department of Labor and Employment XI โ Davao del Sur Field Office, in partnership with the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Davao del Sur, conducted the 2026 Government Internship Program (GIP) and Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) Culmination today, September 29, 2026, at the Digos City Gymnasium.
Under the leadership of DOLE XI โ Davao del Sur Field Office Provincial Director Leo Ariel A. Pepino, the activity gathered GIP and SPES beneficiaries, program implementers, and partner PESOs to celebrate the participantsโ accomplishments and meaningful experiences throughout their engagement. In his inspirational message, Provincial Director Pepino shared his own life story of hope, perseverance, and determination, recalling how challenges and financial hardships became part of his journey toward achieving his aspirations. He encouraged the beneficiaries not to allow poverty or difficult circumstances to hinder them from pursuing their dreams, emphasizing that setbacks are not reasons to surrender. His story served as a reminder that through persistence, hard work, and faith in oneโs potential, opportunities can eventually open and oneโs long-awaited breakthrough can come.
Senior Labor and Employment Officer and Employment Focal Person Garneth S. Lucero facilitated and oversaw the conduct of the activity, while Provincial PESO Manager Rolly M. Impas delivered the welcome remarks and Magsaysay PESO Manager Leonile P. Escarpe conveyed a message of support.
Adding inspiration and positive energy to the celebration was guest speaker Sherwin Sangalan, popularly known as โSherwinabols,โ who shared lessons drawn from his own journey of perseverance, self-belief, and overcoming challenges. Encouraging the beneficiaries to embrace their individual paths and avoid measuring their progress against others, he reminded them: โBelieve in yourself and trust your own journey. Never compare your progress with others because we all have our own timing. Stay positive, keep going, and believe that your time will come.โ His message reinforced the value of maintaining a positive mindset, believing in oneโs capabilities, and continuing to move forward despite setbacks and uncertainties.
The culmination also featured the โGIP and SPES Reel Talk 2026: Relate. Real. Realization.โ, showcasing the participantsโ experiences, lessons, and realizations gained from the programs, as well as a learning session facilitated by Richard A. Depalubos Jr., MMA Job Placement Officer. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates, recognizing the beneficiaries for successfully completing their respective program engagements and reaffirming the continuing partnership between DOLE and the PESOs in equipping young Filipinos with meaningful workplace experience, essential skills, confidence, and readiness for productive employment.
