The Department of Agriculture (DA) will launch its 2026 Summer Youth Internship Program on April 24, offering young Filipinos 45 days of paid government work until June 30.
The program, held under Executive Order No. 139, will cover the DA Central Office, regional field offices, bureaus, attached agencies and corporations. Interns will work regular government hours and receive daily pay based on the prevailing minimum wage in their region, subject to available funds.
At the Central Office, 30 internship slots are available, including five reserved for differently abled applicants who can perform office-based tasks. The program is open to applicants aged 18 to 25, including students, high school graduates, college-level youth and out-of-school youth who have not stopped schooling for more than two years. Applicants must be in good health, not related to any DA official or employee in their assigned office, and must not have previously joined the program. Selection will be based on written exams and interviews, with priority given to financially needy applicants.
Beyond providing summer income, the DA said the internship also serves as a recruitment pool. Participants will be placed in a manpower list that agencies may tap once they qualify for public employment, allowing the department to assess their skills and work ethic during the program.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative is an investment in young people’s character and career development. He said early work experience helps build discipline, accountability and confidence, and may encourage some participants to pursue future roles in public service.
For many young Filipinos, the 2026 summer season may mean gaining work experience and a potential pathway into government service rather than taking a vacation.
