Shaping future public servants: Balbalan high school students clock in as LGU employees for a week

Balbalan, Kalinga – Giving students an early glimpse of public service, the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Balbalan, under the leadership of Mayor Almar Malannag, is providing high school learners with a unique opportunity to experience actual government work and develop a deeper appreciation for public service.

The initiative is carried out through the municipality's "Boy and Girl Officials" program, which allows high school students to observe and work alongside municipal employees at the Municipal Hall for one week. Unlike the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) or school immersion activities, the program is purely voluntary, giving participants firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of local government while they are still in their teenage years.

This year, six students from St. Theresita's School of Salegseg, Balbalan were selected to participate in the program. They began their week-long assignment on August 3 and are expected to complete it on August 7, 2026.

Mayor Malannag said the program is open to all high school students in Balbalan. However, participation from public school students was limited this year because of academic and extracurricular schedules.

The mayor shared that the "Boy and Girl Officials" program was launched during his first term in 2022 and has since become an annual initiative that allows young people to experience serving the public by working in different municipal offices.

"Daytoy nga programa tayo ket para kadagiti kabataan tayo iti Balbalan tapnu makita da nga nasapa nu kasano iti agopisina ken nu kasano nga ag-work iti maysa nga opisina. Ket napanunut mi kasla daytoy iti maitulong mi kadagitoy sumaruno ken future leaders iti Balbalan, daytoy exposure da iti public service habang u-ubbing da pay," he said.

Mayor Malannag explained that exposing students to the workplace at an early age helps them understand how government functions and inspires them to become responsible and service-oriented citizens. By working directly with municipal employees, participants gain practical knowledge that cannot be learned inside the classroom alone.

The program is also expected to help students develop important life skills such as discipline, responsibility, professionalism, teamwork, communication, and sound decision-making. Experiencing an actual work environment may also guide them in choosing future careers, including pursuing professions in government and public service.

Beyond benefiting the students, the initiative also strengthens the connection between the youth and the local government by promoting transparency, civic engagement, and trust.

Giving young people the opportunity to witness how public servants perform their duties fosters a positive image of the LGU as an institution that invests in youth development and leadership, while encouraging the next generation to actively participate in building a better Balbalan.