Home-Based Community Internship Model: Exploring Employment Outcomes and Educational Strategies in Public Administration in Benguet, Philippines

This research investigates the effectiveness of the home-based community internship model in the Philippines, specifically within the Public Administration sector in the Province of Benguet. Internships are crucial for students to develop employability skills and gain practical experience, yet the Philippine job market presents challenges such as unemployment and the "palakasan" system, where personal connections can hinder fair opportunities. The home-based model aims to address these issues by placing interns in their local communities, promoting equitable access and mitigating the influence of personal connections. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, surveying 128 interns, alumni, and supervisors in Benguet and Mountain Province, and employing questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews. Preliminary findings indicate a high level of awareness among respondents regarding internship objectives. The research seeks to provide insights for enhancing internship programs and fostering collaboration between educational institutions and communities.