By Billy Begas
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed on Tuesday incoming college interns who are part of the Strategic Mentoring and Research Training (SMART) Internship Program of the House of Representatives.
“Our dear SMART interns, you are not just entering an institution; you’re stepping into the heart of our democracy. This is not merely an observational exercise but an avenue to understand the intricate machinery that drives our legislative body,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez met the 32 college interns from the University of the Philippines, Lyceum of the Philippines, Trinity University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
The House leader described the SMART program as “a visionary project that aims to groom the next generation of leaders.”
“The Secretariat is the backbone of the House of the People. It ensures that the processes of drafting, deliberating, and passing legislation happen seamlessly. The value of the Secretariat in legislation is immense. Their work ensures that the voices of millions are effectively translated into policies and laws,” he added.
Romualdez noted that the program is the chamber’s way of ensuring that the torch of leadership and service in the House of Representatives “is passed on to capable hands.”
“To all the interns: you’ve been chosen because of your potential and the promise you show. Here, you’ll be part of a mission, a bigger picture, where we’re linking the passion of our youth with the experience and wisdom of the House of the People,” the House leader stressed.
“Napili kayong lahat hindi lamang dahil magagaling kayo. Napili kayo dahil nakitaan kayo ng potensyal na maging lider ng bansa sa hinaharap. Kung ngayon ay interns kayo, umaasa ako na balang araw ay magiging bahagi rin kayo ng institusyong ito,” he added.
