GEM assists governments in the ARMM to address key governance issues, including: relations with the national government; relations with donors; infrastructure planning and implementation; procurement procedures and practices; personnel management procedures.

GEM administers a "Congressional Internship" Program which, each year, will provide some 50 young professionals from the ARMM and neighboring conflict-affected areas, with the opportunity to spend four months working in the Philippine House of Representatives on legislative and policy matters.

Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders (CIPYML)

What is CIPYML? The Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders (CIPYML) provides a four-month program in the Philippine House of Representatives and an introductory Governance course at the campus of Mindanao State University in Marawi. The program offers qualified young professionals from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and other conflict- affected areas in Mindanao opportunities to acquire hands-on experience in legislation and policy formulation. CIPYML Graduates    (Click photos to enlarge) Batch 1 Batch 2 Batch 3 Batch 4 Batch 5 The Goals of CIPYML: To contribute to the development of a culture of peace in Mindanao and a respect for the country’s democratic values, by involving young leaders in helping to draft government policies and converting policies into legislation. To build a pool of young professionals in Mindanao with a broad understanding of national issues and governance processes. What does the Intern gain? Hands-on experience in national policy formulation and governance. Practical knowledge, skills and perspectives on policy development, policy analysis and advocacy, program and project planning and management experience. The opportunity to interact with members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and other leaders. Major CIPYML activities: The activities of the interns include: Participation in an introductory course on Governance at the Mindanao State University in Marawi Participation in specially-designed training programs in Manila; Assignment to standing and special committees and subcommittees; Assignment to offices of selected members of Congress; Field visits to government agencies and LGUs; The preparation of special reports, policy studies and draft legislation; Attendance at legislative committee briefings; Attendance at plenary sessions of Congress Who can apply? Applicants must meet the following criteria: Be less than 31 years of age; Possess a BS or BA degree from a university in the ARMM or a conflict-affected area Reside in the ARMM or a conflict-affected area in Mindanao Be able to articulate effectively and to represent the concerns and aspirations of people living in the ARMM and neighboring conflict-affected areas What does the program provide? Round trip fare from the intern’s residence to Marawi and Manila Lodging in Marawi and Manila A daily stipend to cover the cost of food and local transportation Accident insurance and medical insurance Laptop computers to those who, upon program completion, have met all requirements at an acceptably high level A certificate of completion to successful participants Who sponsors the CIPYML? CIPYML is a partnership among the Philippine House of Representatives, the Mindanao State University (MSU), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It is managed by USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.

Download CIPYML Application & Recommendation Forms  (Click Here)