Every opportunity has the power to change a life; every young person dreams of an opportunity that can shape their future.

Sometimes, all it takes is one meaningful experience to discover a purpose, unlock potential, and begin a journey that changes a life forever.

For Quinia Luz Mesa, a 20-year-old student from Brgy. Caponga, Tublay, Benguet, that opportunity came through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region’s (DSWD FO CAR) Government Internship Program (GIP), an experience that not only equipped her with workplace skills but also inspired her to pursue a life of public service.

What began as a 30-day internship soon became a journey of purpose. Inside the halls of DSWD FO CAR, Quinia discovered that public service extends far beyond completing daily tasks.

More than preparing her for a career, the internship transformed the way she viewed work, not simply as a means of earning a living, but as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“Before joining GIP, I thought work was only about completing tasks. But through this experience, I realized that every responsibility is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution,” she said.

A Bachelor of Public Administration and Governance student at Benguet State University, in La Trinidad, Benguet, Quinia joined the program hoping to gain practical experience while helping support her educational expenses.

With dreams of becoming a public servant, she viewed the internship as an opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of government service. Little did she know that the experience would teach her lessons far beyond what any textbook could offer.

Assigned to the Office of the Regional Director – Social Marketing Unit (ORD-SMU), Quinia was introduced to the Department’s communication and advocacy work. She learned that SMU serves as DSWD’s communication arm, promoting public awareness of the Department’s programs, services, and policies through strategic information campaigns, media engagement, publications, photography, documentation, and digital communication. Moreover, she was inspired by how the unit serves an instrument to tell the stories behind every intervention, giving voice to beneficiaries and showcasing the Department’s commitment to responsive and compassionate public service.

As part of the unit, Quinia assisted in drafting feature stories, documenting activities, editing photographs, receiving and routing official documents, and preparing communication materials.

While these tasks strengthened her writing, communication and organizational skills, they also gave her a deeper appreciation of the role communication plays in public service. She realized that every article published and every photograph shared helps inform the public, promote transparency, inspire hope, and connect communities with services that can transform lives.

Working alongside dedicated DSWD personnel also shaped Quinia’s outlook on public service. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment encouraged her to approach every responsibility with excellence. The friendships she built with fellow GIP interns further enriched her experience, creating a supportive environment where learning, collaboration, and personal growth flourished.

Beyond technical skills she gained, she found herself growing in ways she never expected. She became more responsible in handling her work, and more disciplined in managing her time. The internship also taught her the importance of integrity, accountability, and teamwork— qualities that she believes every future public servant should possess.

Quinia believes that the greatest reward of the internship was not just the experience she gained but the person she became.

“GIP didn’t just prepare me for work— it prepared me for life. Growth comes from being willing to learn, accepting challenges, and improving little by little every day. I’m leaving the program not just with experience, but with lessons and values that I’ll carry wherever I go,” she shared.

GIP is a youth employment initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that traces its roots to the Kabataan 2000 Project established under Executive Order No. 139, series of 1993. Conceived as a year-round youth development initiative, the program was created to provide young Filipinos with meaningful work experience in government offices while helping them develop competencies and a deeper appreciation for public service.

Within DSWD, GIP is implemented under the Unlad Kabataan Program (UKP), the Department’s framework for promoting the holistic development and empowerment of disadvantaged youth. Through the UKP, DSWD provides young Filipinos with opportunities to strengthen their employability, develop life skills and foster responsible citizenship.

Currently, DSWD FO CAR is home to 25 GIP interns, each bringing unique aspirations and talents while gaining meaningful workplace experience across the Department’s various offices. Like Quinia, they are learning that every responsibility entrusted to them contributes to DSWD’s mission of uplifting the lives of disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities.

Her words capture the heart of DSWD’s GIP. More than providing temporary employment, the program empowers young people to discover their potential, develop practical skills, and cultivate the values needed to become compassionate, competent, and dedicated public servants.

As Quinia continues pursuing her college degree, she carries with her more than workplace experience: her new found confidence to embrace challenges, the wisdom gained from mentors who believed in her, the friendships that made her journey memorable, and the inspiration to one day serve communities with the same compassion she witnessed throughout her internship. For Quinia, the 30 days at DSWD FO CAR were not simply the beginning of a career; they were the beginning of a purpose.

Her journey is a testimony to how investing in young people today helps shape a future generation of public servants who are ready to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MAYROSE U. CARIÑO with QUINIA LUZ A. MESA