Written by Beverly Banaken Laltoog
The University of Baguio’s School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (UB-STELA), steadfast in its commitment to the values of competence, integrity, and service, is proud to announce the participation of its students in the prestigious 2025 Senate Internship Program. This exceptional opportunity underscores UB-STELA’s dedication to providing students with transformative educational experiences that bridge the gap between academia and the real world.
Under the mentorship of BA Political Science Internship Coordinator Ms. Beverly Laltoog, students underwent a rigorous and competitive selection process. The criteria for acceptance were comprehensive, requiring exemplary academic performance, active involvement in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and outstanding moral character. These qualities were clearly reflected in the students’ profiles, which demonstrated their achievements as scholars, leaders, and individuals of high ethical standards, as evidenced by their academic and extracurricular records.
The selected students have been deployed to the Senate Legislative Technical Affairs Bureau, where they will gain invaluable hands-on experience in legislative bill drafting, policy analysis, and legal affairs. This immersive exposure to the legislative process will not only deepen their understanding of how laws are crafted but will also equip them with essential skills for their future careers in public service, governance, law, and public policy. The opportunity to work closely with seasoned professionals in the Senate will offer them insights that are crucial for shaping their career paths.
During a recent visit to the deployment site by Ms. Laltoog, Dr. Maria Vida G. Caparas, Director III of the Human Resources Management Service at the Senate of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of real-world experience in students’ professional development. She expressed her gratitude to the University of Baguio for facilitating internships beyond their locality, recognizing the value of providing students with opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience in a high-stakes political environment. Dr. Caparas underscored the significance of such experiences in preparing students for the challenges they will face in their future careers, equipping them with both the knowledge and skills needed for success in the complex world of governance and public service.
To further enrich their experience, Director Caparas graciously arranged a guided tour of the Senate, allowing the students and internship coordinator to explore the various facilities of the Senate. The students were also given the opportunity to witness plenary sessions of the 19th Congress of the Philippines, where they observed firsthand the workings of the legislative body. This unique experience provided them with a deeper appreciation for the legislative process and the responsibilities of elected officials.
The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity, sharing that being accepted into the Senate Internship Program was a dream come true. They are excited about the prospect of applying their academic knowledge in a practical setting and are eager to contribute meaningfully to the work of the Senate. They are confident that this experience will be pivotal in shaping their future career paths, providing them with the tools, networks, and perspectives necessary for success.
This marks the second year that the program’s students have participated in the Senate Internship Program, a reflection of their ongoing commitment to public service and professional development. The continued success of this initiative highlights UB-STELA’s role in nurturing the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and legal professionals.
The students are expected to complete a 500-hour internship in the Senate, an immersive experience that will culminate in a reflective session, where they will share their insights and lessons learned throughout the internship. This hands-on exposure will equip them with the practical knowledge and skills needed for future roles in the public sector and the legal field, providing them with a competitive edge as they embark on their professional careers.
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Internship Program covers a wide array of fields, including public administration, paralegal activities, civil society, and community development. Designed to provide students with practical exposure to both national and local political institutions and processes, the program is conducted in partnership with a variety of stakeholders such as government agencies, local government units, legal entities, law offices, private industries, and non-governmental organizations. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a well-rounded, real-world education that will empower them to make meaningful contributions to society.
