Beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Government Internship Program (BGIP), including both regular and special programs, along with recipients of the Overseas Bangsamoro Workers (OBW) Educational Program, receive cash assistance from the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) on February 26, 2024 in Jolo, Sulu. (Photo by Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)
SULU—Fresh college student graduates from this province, including those currently pursuing their bachelor’s degrees, benefited from the cash assistance program from the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) on February 26 in Jolo.
The programs, facilitated by the Ministry’s Bangsamoro Government Internship Program (BGIP) and Overseas Bangsamoro Workers (OBW) Educational Cash Assistance Program, aim to address pressing social and economic challenges in the Bangsamoro region.
MOLE Administrative Assistant IV Gary A. Alix expressed his deep gratitude to the Bangsamoro leaders who have made it possible for the MOLE to introduce these remarkable programs.
He emphasized that the successful implementation of these initiatives would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim.
“On behalf [of] our Minister Datu Muslimin Sema at sa aming Bangsamoro Director-General Datu Surap Abutasil Jr., hindi po ito magiging posible kundi dahil ating Chief Minister, sa kanyang visionary leadership [kung kaya] nagkaroon tayo ng ganitong klaseng programa,” Alix said during an interview.
[On behalf of our Minister, Datu Muslimin Sema, and the Bangsamoro Director-General, led by Datu Surap Abutasil Jr., this would not have been possible without our Chief Minister’s visionary leadership, which has enabled us to establish such programs.]
A total of 114 regular beneficiaries received a combined amount of P10,428 as stipend for the months of September and October 2023, while 100 other beneficiaries received P5,214 under the BGIP special program of the office of former Member of the Parliament (MP) Sahie Udjah.
Additionally, 50 OBW dependents received Php20,000 each under the OBW Educational Cash Assistance Program.
Adzmar Halik, one of the beneficiaries of BGIP extended his heartfelt thanks to BARMM for giving him, along with other beneficiaries, the opportunity to gain necessary skills that will benefit their future endeavors.
“Magsarang-sukul tuud kami sin kiyarihilan kami opportunity sin MOLE misan da kuman experience ha lawm sin six months. Malaggu tatabangan na yadtu kamu hasupaya misan kami mag-apply awn na experience namu,” Halik said.
[We are extremely grateful for the job experience opportunity provided by MOLE within six months. This has been a great help, as it allows us to gain valuable experience that can be beneficial when applying for jobs.]
BGIP aims to facilitate gainful employment for fresh college graduates and equip them with the necessary skills and experience for their job search endeavors.
Meanwhile, the OBW Educational Cash Assistance Program seeks to support those Bangsamoro students who are still pursuing their college education.
As the MOLE continues to implement these programs, it is expected that more young professionals and students will benefit from the opportunities provided, ultimately contributing to the overall development and progress of the Bangsamoro community. (Alline Jamar Undikan/BIO)
