U.S. Deputy Chief and House Speaker Urge Muslim Congressional Interns to Continue Dedication to Leadership and Government

The participating students and representatives of MSU with (seated left to right, center row) House Speaker Jose de Venecia; acting DCM Jon Linborg; and Frank Donovan, acting Mission Director, USAID.

Demonstrating the U.S. and Philippines’ commitment to investing in people, democracy, and peace, U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Jon Lindborg, who is also Mission Director, U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), and Philippine Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia hosted a December 15 completion ceremony for 25 Filipino students from the “Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders” (CIPYML).

The CIPYML Program, which has been ongoing for more than two years, gives qualified graduates from colleges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao the opportunity to work for four months at the House of Representatives and gain hands-on experience in legislation and policy formulation.

The CIPYML Program is managed by USAID and implemented in partnership with the House of Representatives and Mindanao State University (MSU). The American people are proud to help open doors so these young leaders from Mindanao can expand their knowledge of and experience in government and leadership. The internship program not only helps these young leaders learn more about democratic governance, but brings their unique perspectives and experiences to the halls of Congress.

The 25 interns are the sixth batch to go through the program, which typically hosts two groups of interns each year. Both Acting DCM Lindborg and Speaker de Venecia delivered remarks during the ceremony and encouraged the young leaders to continue seeking opportunities to increase their own knowledge of democratic governance, and to share with others what they learned during their internships. (PRESS RELEASE)