A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP

PROGRAM (GIP) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF KAPALONG

A Research Presented to the Research Review Committee of Public

Administration Program Kapalong College of Agriculture
Sciences and Technology Maniki, Kapalong,
Davao del Norte

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree,

Bachelor of Public Administration

CAPOY, JOHN LECER D.

PARREÑO, RODENSON D.
GELVERO, SWEETHEART JOHN R.

November 2023
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Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

The chapter contains the introduction of the research topic. This includes the

rationale, purpose of the study, research questions, theoretical lens that support this

study, significance of the study, as well as the delimitation and limitation of the study.

Moreover, related literatures are incorporated to supply more in-depth information

about the study. Definitions of terms were also included to provide clarity on the key

concepts used in the study. More importantly, organization of the study is enclosed in

this chapter to outline all the contents of this paper.

Rationale

Government Internship Programs (GIP) across various nations encounter

multiple challenges for recent college graduates. The constrained availability of

positions in comparison to the high number of graduates seeking placements

remains a substantial barrier, resulting in intense competition and leaving numerous

capable candidates without internship opportunities. Moreover, insufficient

mentorship and guidance within these programs impede the cultivation of necessary

practical skills for employment, affecting graduates' preparedness for the professional

sphere. Additionally, bureaucratic intricacies and inefficiencies within government

institutions hosting these internships may limit participants' exposure to meaningful

tasks, thereby diminishing the overall effectiveness of these initiatives in bridging the

gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace skills sought by newly

graduated students entering the job market (Mabiza et al., 2018).

Moreover, in South Africa, fresh graduates participating in the Public Service

Internship Program (PSIP) encounter several challenges. Inadequate alignment

between assigned duties and their qualifications or career aspirations often leads to

underutilization of their skills, diminishing their potential contributions. Also, limited

exposure to departmental activities or functions restricts their holistic learning

experience within the public service context. Insufficient training and support for
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mentors could hinder effective guidance and development for interns, impacting their

overall skill acquisition and adaptation to workplace dynamics. Lastly, bureaucratic

hurdles or delays in accessing essential systems might impede their ability to fully

engage and understand critical aspects of the public service operation, affecting their

learning and preparedness for future roles (Motene, 2018).

Furthermore, in the Philippines, the GIP is part of the Governance Strategy

stated in the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017- 2022 to promote

youth participation in government and bureaucracy. However, according to the

researcherss, a program or intervention that is successfully implemented in one

location does not guarantee its success everywhere. Such that, they've observed that

in certain regions, there are students or possible interns that have little knowledge on

how the government or bureaucracy works and the programs it offers (Braithwaite et

al., 2018). With these in mind, a study should be conducted which highlights the

plights of the freshmen graduates in Government Internship Program (GIP) today. In

this regard, such study is adequately urgent since it is essential not only for the

immediate betterment of the internship program but also for its long-term impact on

the individuals involved, the workforce, and the broader socio-economic landscape of

the country. More importantly, the proposal has immense social significance as this

can be a scholarly basis for the improvement of Government Internship Program

among the fresh graduates in the Kapalong, Davao del Norte, where this study will

be conducted. Through this study, relevant and effective seminars and trainings can

be made to gear the program to have a good quality outcome mainly for the benefit

of the fresh graduates. Thus, all of these premises prompted me to propose this

study. In connection, research on the Government Internship Program (GIP) has

mainly focused on the experiences and challenges encountered by its beneficiaries,

as noted by Geverola et al. (2023).

However, these studies did not delve into the perspectives of fresh graduates

regarding their experiences. Similarly, Baker (2019) emphasized a specific city

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government internship program designed to offer undergraduates a comprehensive

experiential component in learning about city governance and politics. Additionally,

Lawson (2018) concentrated on providing college graduates with non-academic work

experience opportunities to enhance their skill sets. While these studies provide

valuable insights into the workplace experiences of GIP beneficiaries, there remains

a research gap regarding the working experiences of fresh graduates participating in

the government internship program.

This study aims to fill this void by shedding light on the distinct viewpoints,

coping mechanisms, and insights of GIP beneficiaries, particularly fresh graduates,

thereby making a significant contribution to the existing literature. Moreover, this

research will employ a qualitative approach, specifically phenomenology, to gather

more in-depth information about their experiences, coping strategies, and insights.

Also, after concluding this study, the researcherss plan to submit the research paper

to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kapalong. Their goal is to provide valuable

insights that can enhance future government internship programs, benefiting the

program's beneficiaries. The aim is to offer a groundwork upon which the LGU can

formulate strategies and policies to create a more supportive environment specifically

tailored to this demographic.

Furthermore, the researcherss intend to publish this study, envisioning its

usefulness as a foundational resource for other academics interested in expanding

this investigation on a broader scale, potentially at a national or international level. By

sharing this research, it can serve as a significant reference and catalyst for further

explorations, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced

by government internship program beneficiaries in diverse contexts, transcending the

local scope of Kapalong.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this research was to investigate the firsthand encounters of

recent graduates participating in the government internship program in the Local

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Government Unit of Kapalong. This involved exploring their perspectives, difficulties

faced, and the strategies employed to overcome these challenges during their tenure

in the program.

Additionally, the study aims to assess the pivotal elements contributing to the

program's success, alongside analyzing the hurdles encountered by both participants

and those overseeing the program's execution. Employing a phenomenological

approach, the study prioritized the firsthand encounters of recent graduates engaged

in the government internship program within the local government unit of Kapalong.

The primary objective was to gather comprehensive and genuine insights via

interviews and observations involving participants. This approach served as a means

to gain in-depth understanding and relevant information about the government

internship program, enabling the researcherss to delve into the participants'

experiences thoroughly.

Research Question

1. What are the lived experiences encountered by recent college graduates

participating in the government internship program within the Kapalong

local government?

2. How do recent graduates cope with the difficulties encountered in their

work environment in the government internship program?

3. What insights can the participants share with regards to their working

experiences within the government internship program in Kapalong's local

government?

Theoretical Lens

The research was rooted in George Homans' Social Exchange Theory of

1958, as referenced in Ciobanu et al. (2019), which stands as a prominent framework

explaining the correlation between how organizations treat their employees and job

performance. This theory suggests that positive interactions enhance employee

attitudes and behaviors, while negative exchanges lead to increased workplace

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stress, reduced motivation, and a higher likelihood of employee turnover.

Interestingly, despite negative interactions, there was no noticeable decrease in

discretionary actions among employees. Upon examining various interaction types, it

became evident that fair rewards and a positive organizational environment

consistently influenced the attitudes and behaviors of employees. Factors like

teamwork, employee engagement, and trust in management emerged as significant

motivators for employees.

In the study's context, the connections among employees hold significant

importance as they stand as primary drivers for an individual's achievement in the

workplace. Specifically, recent college graduates participating in the government

internship program within the local government of Kapalong exhibit clear and

enthusiastic communication, effectively handling their job duties. When these

individuals lack a sense of connection within their workplace, they are more likely to

seek such relationships elsewhere, potentially leading them to consider leaving their

current job even if it is temporary.

Furthermore, the study is supported by the Two-Factor Theory, developed by

Herzberg (1966), revolves around understanding factors that influence job

satisfaction and dissatisfaction, categorizing them as hygiene factors and motivators.

Hygiene factors refer to elements in the work environment that, if absent or

inadequate, can cause dissatisfaction among employees, such as salary, work

conditions, company policies, and interpersonal relationships. On the other hand,

motivators are factors that, when present, can positively impact job satisfaction and

motivation, including opportunities for recognition, growth, responsibility, and

achievement. According to this theory, the absence of hygiene factors might lead to

dissatisfaction, but their presence only prevents dissatisfaction without necessarily

increasing motivation. Conversely, the presence of motivators leads to increased job

satisfaction and intrinsic motivation, prompting employees to go beyond mere

compliance with job requirements and put in extra effort to excel in their roles. In
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essence, while providing adequate hygiene factors is crucial to prevent

dissatisfaction, it is the presence of motivators that truly inspires employees to strive

for excellence and exceed minimum job expectations by investing more effort and

enthusiasm into their work.

In the study's context, when motivators are absent, employees, specifically

fresh graduates engaged in the government internship program within Kapalong's

local government, tend to carry out their job duties as necessary. However, when

provided with motivators, these individuals show a heightened level of dedication,

going beyond the minimum requirements. Particularly for fresh graduates in the

government internship program, having motivations encourages them to not only

work diligently but also actively seek learning experiences during their tenure. These

motivations foster a sense of belongingness within the work environment, enhancing

their commitment and enthusiasm for the job.

Review of Related Literature

This segment undertakes a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of extant

literature, encompassing scholarly journals, publications, research studies, and

articles. It rigorously engages with qualitative research methodologies, including

thematic analysis, grounded theory, and phenomenological approaches, to explore

the experiences of beneficiaries within government internship programs.

Experiences of Government Internship Program Beneficiaries

The experiences of Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries

encompass both opportunities for practical skill development and challenges inherent

in navigating bureaucratic structures and organizational cultures within governmental

agencies. Beneficiaries often highlight the transformative nature of their internship

experiences while emphasizing the importance of structured mentorship, supportive

environments, and inclusive organizational practices in optimizing internship

outcomes and fostering professional growth.

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The "Career Starts" internship program is structured to offer career-oriented

work experience and training, prioritizing goals that support young individuals in

understanding public systems and procedures over typical corporate advantages.

This shift reflects the government's commitment to promoting the broader public

good, especially considering the obstacles in accessing positions within the public

sector, where selection procedures for new placements in unionized roles prioritize

current employees due to agreements between employers and major unions (Dodge

& McKeough, 2019).

Moreover, the government internship program (GIP), aimed at attracting top

talent into public service, faced significant challenges during recruitment, supervision,

and assessment stages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A study identified issues

including processing delays, scheduling difficulties, high applicant numbers,

beneficiary withdrawals, and competency concerns. To address these challenges,

strategies such as goal setting, proposal drafting, implementation plans, report

generation, and ensuring internship completion were implemented, demonstrating

adept management by the overseeing agency despite the pandemic's impact on

societal norms and operations (Geverola et al., 2023).

In addition, The "Moscow through my eyes" program, organized by the

Moscow Government's Career Portal, invites graduate students and masters aged 18

to 25 for an educational work initiative focusing on city management technologies

and implementing innovative projects. The program aims to cultivate motivation for

employment within the Moscow Government, enhance communication and teamwork

skills among fresh graduates, and align specialties with five internship directions. The

7 to 9-month internship involves 70 to 100 participants across multiple sites in

Moscow's territorial executive authorities (Mclaren, 2020).

Benefits include salary increments and potential employment within the

Moscow Government, where around 80 graduates from recent cohort’s secured

positions. The study explores how Human Resource Management (HRM) influences
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Supply Chain Management (SCM), ultimately impacting Organizational Performance

(OP) and Customer Satisfaction (CS) in the government's personnel training system

(Evstratova et al., 2019).

Coping Strategies of Government Internship Program Beneficiaries

Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries employ coping strategies

like seeking mentorship, developing adaptive skills, and fostering peer support

networks to navigate challenges and maximize opportunities during their internships.

Proactive communication, embracing a growth mindset, and exploring avenues for

skill enhancement are integral aspects of beneficiaries' coping strategies in

navigating the complexities of the public sector landscape.

Non-traditional work arrangements, notably internships, are increasingly

pivotal for fresh graduates transitioning into employment, spanning both affluent and

low- to middle-income countries. While internships can enhance future job prospects

and earnings, their impact may diminish post-graduation. Research underscores that

internships directly related to one's field of study positively affect employment

outcomes, while unrelated or mandatory internships may have neutral or negative

effects, highlighting employers' preference for voluntary internships as indicators of

desirable personal qualities like determination and drive (O’Higgins & Pinedo 2021).

Additionally, internships and mentorship are considered significant practices

within organizations. In State-Sponsored Internship Programs, employers anticipate

newcomers to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's values, norms, and

objectives. Moreover, internships serve as a platform to establish connections and

professional relationships within the company. Some research views internships as a

distinctive phase in the anticipatory socialization process. This process aims to equip

interns, particularly recent graduates, for potential permanent employment while

shaping their expectations concerning their future role and opportunities within the

organization (Minner, 2019).

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Moreover, newly graduated individuals engaged in a government internship

program should establish a well-defined job role and receive comprehensive job

orientation from the program's onset. They should proactively seek out positions in

logistics service firms. To swiftly acclimate to their roles, beyond gaining practical

experience, it's crucial to actively enhance professional skills and work proficiency.

This involves meeting present job demands encompassing ethical conduct,

responsibility, attitude, work discipline, and mindset (Toan, 2023).

Insights of Government Internship Program Beneficiaries

Government Internship Program beneficiaries often gain valuable insights

into the intricacies of public service, bureaucratic processes, and policy

implementation, which enhance their understanding of governance and civic

engagement. Additionally, beneficiaries may develop professional networks, practical

skills, and a sense of civic responsibility, contributing to their personal and

professional growth while fostering a deeper commitment to public service.

Stakeholders have highlighted concerns regarding potential biases held by

certain employers against fresh graduates, resulting in limited growth opportunities

for this demographic. There's a shared observation that some employers overlook

the importance of graduate training schemes and view programs like work integrated

learning (WIL), internships, and apprenticeships as cumbersome obligations rather

than valuable avenues to instill essential work-readiness skills in new graduates. This

attitude might lead to missed opportunities for recent graduates to gain crucial

handson experience and practical skills necessary for professional development. The

failure to recognize these programs as beneficial pathways to nurture and prepare

emerging talent could inadvertently hinder the growth and preparedness of fresh

graduates in their transition to the workforce (Verma et al., 2018).

Meanwhile, previous research has unveiled a significant development in

crucial employability skills—like self-management, initiative, organizational prowess,

and planning—among graduates during their tenure in employment as opposed to

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their academic experiences at university. Interestingly, this progress emerged even

though qualities such as self-regulation and the commitment to lifelong learning are

commonly perceived as pivotal elements of graduates' identities as they transition

into the professional sphere. Taking part in initiatives like the State-Sponsored

Internship Program plays a pivotal role for fresh graduates by providing them with

added practical insights into the working environment, albeit on a temporary basis.

This exposure allows them to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-

world application, fostering their adaptation to professional demands and nurturing

skills essential for success in the workforce (Prikshat et al., 2020).

In connection, a government internship program serves as a vital bridge for

recent graduates to gain practical insights into the professional realm. It plays a

crucial societal role by offering newcomers an opportunity to experience the realities

of the workforce. Often, the theoretical understanding acquired through education

doesn't fully align with the actual demands of various industries that often require

specialized expertise beyond what educational institutions provide. To address this

gap, the government has taken steps by mandating industrial internships as part of

local government programs. Essentially, this initiative aims not only to provide hands-

on experience but also to mitigate the issue of unemployment among recent

graduates (Khwarizmi, 2022).

Community Engagement

Government Internship Program beneficiaries may also be involved in

community outreach and engagement efforts. They might participate in public events,

help organize community forums, or assist with communication efforts to keep the

public informed about government initiatives and programs.

Community engagement within the framework of the Global Impact Program

(GIP) is instrumental in driving improved outcomes for beneficiary communities. By

actively seeking out and incorporating the aspirations, concerns, and values of

community members into decision-making processes, government organizations and

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public decision-making entities enhance their ability to address community needs

effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community ownership and

facilitates the uptake of GIP services, which are tailored to the unique aspirations and

requirements of the community. Establishing long-standing, effective partnerships

between government organizations and communities not only ensures the

sustainability of GIP initiatives but also reinforces community resilience and capacity

building, ultimately contributing to the holistic development and well-being of the

beneficiaries (Hussey, 2021).

Community engagement is a dynamic process that requires continuous effort

and adaptation to meet evolving needs and expectations. Clearly defined roles for

community partners ensure effective collaboration and prevent misunderstandings.

Establishing mutual trust and maintaining transparency foster strong relationships,

laying the foundation for meaningful community involvement and progress.

Additionally, the measurement of community outcomes requires flexible

methodologies that can capture the multifaceted impacts of engagement initiatives

over time (Figueroa et al., 2020).

In addition, community engagement encompasses collaborative efforts aimed

at empowering individuals and community-based organizations within beneficiary

communities. By working closely with groups of people affiliated by geography,

shared interests, or common situations, GIP fosters inclusive participation to address

issues affecting the well-being of these communities. Through community

engagement, GIP aims to empower local actors to implement relevant practices and

advocate for policies that drive positive change, ultimately promoting sustainable

development and improving the lives of those within the beneficiary communities

(Koekkoek et al., 2021).

Lastly, community engagement extends to fostering positive social

interactions among members of local communities. Formal interactions, such as

organized volunteerism facilitated by GIP initiatives, play a vital role in enhancing

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community engagement. Additionally, informal interactions, such as chance meetings

and casual neighboring, contribute significantly to the development of social capital

within beneficiary communities. Social capital, defined as the value derived from

social networks and the reciprocal benefits exchanged within them, is enriched

through these interactions, strengthening community bonds and facilitating collective

action towards shared goals, which align with the overarching objectives of the GIP

(Eisenstein & Lucken, 2020)

Significance of the Study

The findings and results of this study will offer valuable assistance to specific

entities and individuals. Specifically, the Local Government Unit of Kapalong and the

Department of Labor and Employment stand to benefit significantly from these

results, as they can utilize them to enhance their programs aimed at supporting fresh

graduates. The primary beneficiaries expected to receive the improvements derived

from this study's findings would be individuals seeking employment opportunities

after graduation.

Firstly, the findings of the study are invaluable for the Department of Labor

and Employment (DOLE) to improve their support for fresh graduates. These

insights will help DOLE tailor initiatives better, addressing graduates' challenges in

matching qualifications to job opportunities. Understanding preferences, skill gaps,

and employment needs will allow DOLE to create targeted interventions like

specialized training and career counseling. Leveraging these findings will empower

DOLE to offer more effective assistance, enhancing graduates' chances of securing

jobs aligned with their college degrees.

Secondly, the findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for the

Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kapalong to address the challenges faced by

beneficiaries of the government internship program within their working environment.

By analyzing the insights provided by the study, the LGU can identify specific issues

or hurdles encountered by these program beneficiaries during their internships.

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Understanding these challenges—whether related to work dynamics, skill

development, or integration into the government sector—will enable the LGU to

design targeted solutions. For instance, they could implement mentorship programs,

provide additional training in specific areas, or refine the internship structure to offer a

more conducive and supportive working environment. This proactive approach based

on the study's findings will help the LGU improve the internship experience, fostering

a more beneficial and constructive environment for the program beneficiaries.

Ultimately, this could enhance the overall effectiveness of the government internship

program in Kapalong.

Thirdly, the findings of this study will be advantageous for the Kapalong

College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST) as a foundational

guide in developing programs tailored to prepare graduating students for the working

environment. By examining the insights garnered from the study, KCAST can identify

specific aspects crucial for enhancing students' readiness for professional roles.

These insights might encompass the necessary skills, industry expectations, and

potential challenges graduates may encounter when entering the workforce. With this

information, KCAST can design comprehensive programs that incorporate practical

training, workshops, or courses focusing on workplace skills, professional conduct,

and industry-specific knowledge.

Lastly, the study's findings offer valuable insights that future researcherss

can utilize as a reference to comprehend the functioning of government internship

programs. These findings will serve as a valuable resource for subsequent research

endeavors, comparative analyses, and evaluations of similar programs. They will

facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the various dimensions—social,

economic, and cultural—related to government internship initiatives. This information

will be instrumental in advancing knowledge and providing a framework for in-depth

exploration into the workings and implications of such programs.

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Definition of Terms

The researcherss has to grasp beforehand the main concept of the study.

Thus, to provide a common understanding of the fundamental key words in this

study, the researchers defined the terms conceptually and operationally below.

Government Internship Program. Refers to the newly graduated but

unemployed individuals. This program intends to offer a platform for these graduates

to gain practical experience, skills, and exposure within government institutions or

related sectors (Hong & Lee, 2003). As used in this study, the government internship

program pertains to the individuals participating in internships. Its primary objective is

not only to reduce immediate unemployment but also to cultivate a group of

competent professionals who can make constructive contributions to the local

government of Kapalong.

Internship. Is often used in various contexts, ranging from unpaid brief work

experiences offered by educational institutions to more formal arrangements like

temporary government positions or the customary practice of working in a facility

before obtaining full approval from a licensing authority (Dodge & McKeough, 2019).

As used in this study, it pertains to the college graduates who are presently engaged

in the government internship program, receiving compensation, within the local

government of Kapalong.

Delimitation and Limitation of the Study

This phenomenological study involved selecting fourteen (14) beneficiaries of

the Government Internship Program, specifically recent graduates residing in the

Municipality of Kapalong, Province of Davao del Norte, as its research subjects using

purposive sampling. The research was conducted during November - December of

the 2023 academic year. Among the 14 participants, seven (7) will undergo Individual

Depth Interviews (IDI), while the remaining seven (7) participated in Focus Group

Discussions (FGD). These methods were employed to comprehensively capture the

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experiences, obstacles, and adaptive approaches of the participants regarding their

work involvement within the government internship program at the LGU of Kapalong.

Furthermore, participants were required to provide proof of residence within

the Municipality of Kapalong to ensure their active engagement with local community

dynamics. Additionally, their recent graduation from college and enrollment in the

government internship program within the LGU Kapalong served to ensure their

familiarity with administrative processes and local governance structures. The 2–5

months' work experience prerequisite helped ensure that participants had gained

sufficient exposure to their roles and responsibilities within the LGU Kapalong,

facilitating a more nuanced understanding of their experiences. Moreover, the

stipulation of an 8-hour working load underscored the importance of uniformity in

participants' work schedules, minimizing potential variations in workload that could

affect their responses and experiences within the study.

However, due to the limited number of participants in this study, the findings

cannot be broadly applied or generalized. Consequently, the scope of this paper is

confined to examining government internship program beneficiaries exclusively. The

primary aim of this study was to establish an empirical basis for Government

Internship Program beneficiaries, offering them comprehensive insights and

understanding to devise potential solutions for the challenges and issues they

encounter.
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Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the methods and procedures that were utilized to fulfill

the purpose of this study. Specifically, this includes the research design, data

sources, data collection procedure, data analysis, trustworthiness of the study, and

ethical considerations.

Research Design

The qualitative study will be utilizing a phenomenological approach. As per

Lune & Berg (2017), qualitative research pertains to the endeavor of the researchers

to understand the situation and its uniqueness, in relation to its context and the

interactions inscribed herein. Moreover, this research design is described as an

investigation of things in their natural settings. It is also added that such is an attempt

made by the researchers to interpret or make sense of a phenomenon taken from the

raw perspectives of the people involved in the said event.

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In this study, qualitative research design will be utilize which is the ideal

methodology to use, since this study only concerned itself on investigating a research

topic that is less explored. Moreover, it does not seek to measure variables or test

different interventions using correlational or experimental approaches.

Meanwhile, phenomenology is employed to illuminate the particular and identify the

occurrences by considering the viewpoints of those involved in the situation. From a

human perspective, this is commonly understood as gathering comprehensive

insights and understandings using qualitative methods like discussions, participant

observation, interviews, and presenting these from the perspectives of the individuals

involved in the research (Lune & Berg, 2017). In this study, phenomenology will be

utilized as it is greatly suitable in this academic endeavor. Given the fact that the

study only aims to account the lived experiences of the participants in this study who

are the Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries, it is recognized that

there is a need to conduct a phenomenological study in the research setting.

Role of the Researchers

In this study, there are roles which the researchers will embrace to complete

the study. As argued by Morse (1998), the primary role of the researchers in

qualitative studies is to become its main instrument. Hence, the researchers as an

instrument is an accepted and acceptable stance. This means that it is imperative

that the qualitative researchers be fully aware of how his/her ontological and

epistemological position underpins the research. Moreover, researcherss must also

be able to observe mundane details and undertake all the necessary roles to gain full

understanding of the phenomenon in question.

It is therefore true that in qualitative research, the role of the researchers is

not simply to collect data from a representative sample and provide a voice for the

participants, but also to interrogate the data and provide informed commentary

(Morse, 2003). It is reflected on the relationship of high quality research and ethics.

Researcherss considered it ethically responsible to present the interpretation in ways

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that would promote understanding the complex social world to students of university

in profoundly different ways (Hutchinson, 1999) than occurs in quantitative research.

Research Participants

The key participants of this study will be the Government Internship Program

(GIP) beneficiaries in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. The selection of participants is

justified because the intended participants of the study are fresh graduates who are

beneficiaries of GIP program of the Local Government of Kapalong. Thus, they are

the only ones capable of providing authentic accounts about the research topic.

According to the criteria of the study with the total of fourteen (14) participants. Seven

(7) of which underwent the in-depth interviews (IDI) wherein each of them was

interviewed individually by us. Meanwhile, the other seven (7) participated in the

focus group discussion (FGD) wherein all of them had gathered in one venue and

discussed among themselves the answers that they had given to the questions that

we had presented to them.

This determined number was in adherence to the suggestion of Creswell

(2013) that the ideal number of participants in a qualitative study ranges from 3-15

participants. By having this set of participants in a qualitative research study, data

saturation was highly achieved in the data collection process.

Upon participant selection, purposive sampling will be use to ensure that only

those who can give the necessary data would be able to participate in my study.

Purposive sampling will be applied which will highly rely on a set of inclusion criteria.

This sampling method is a non-probability type of sampling which guarantees the

acquisition of authentic lived experiences. This is guaranteed as the sampling

method employs participants who are closely immersed or involved in the

phenomenon being investigated (Ellis, 2016).

In our recruitment process, we will religiously follow the succeeding criteria.

First, each participant must be a Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiary at

Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Second, they must be a residence in the Municipality of
 19

Kapalong. Third, they must be a recently graduated from college and are currently

working in the government internship program in the LGU Kapalong. Fourth, must

have 2–5 months’ work experience. Lastly, they must have an 8-hour working load.

Data Collection

The researcherss adhered to a formal protocol in carrying out the study. This

process of data collection covered everything from the pre-interview to the post-

interview phases. First, the researcherss created interview guide questions, and the

researcherss ensured that the interview guide questions underwent validation by the

panel or validators. Then, the researcherss obtained an endorsement letter. To

perform the study utilizing the endorsement paper, the researcherss sought the

adviser's approval. Afterward, the researcherss sought permission from the office of

the college president of KCAST and requested a letter to allow the researcherss to

conduct face-to-face interviews with the fresh graduates who are beneficiaries of GIP

Program of the Local Government of Kapalong.

After the approval was granted, the researcherss obtained a letter for the

selected participants, requesting their consent to participate in the study. If the

selected participants were willing to participate, the researcherss provided them with

a consent form to sign. Once the approval letter from the panel had been received,

the researcherss proceeded to conduct the study. Prior to the interviews, the

researcherss conducted an orientation session for all participants. During the

orientation, the purpose of the study, the methodology, and the rights of the

participants during the interview were explained by the researcherss. Additionally, the

researcherss sought permission to record the entire duration of the interview. After

conducting the interviews, the researcherss ensured the confidentiality of all recorded

interviews. The recorded data was transcribed, and the transcribed data underwent

verification by the participants. Once the verification process was completed, the

researcherss proceeded to translate and analyze the data. The findings obtained
 20

from the data analysis were utilized to draw conclusions and make recommendations

based on the study.

Data Analysis

In this study, the data collected and gathered in this research will be

transcribe into written form (Phaton, 2006). Data analysis is the most complicated

and mysterious phase of a qualitative project, and it had received the least thoughtful

discussion in the literature (Thorne, 2000). The collected and gathered data will be

analyzed using content and thematic analysis in this study. In data analysis, the two

most common approaches are content analysis and thematic analysis. The collection

of samples for qualitative content analysis was usually comprised of carefully

selected instances that reflected the research questions being investigated. It was

necessary to maintain a balance of subjectivity and objectivity. It focused on distinct

themes that illustrated the meanings of the phenomenon rather than numerical

significance (Hseih and Shannon, 2005).

Thematic analysis will be use in this study as a method for adding a

systematic component to data analysis. The frequency analysis of a theme is

associated with one of the entire contents by the researchers. The factors and

variables that influence the phenomenal issue generated by the participants will be

detected and identified using thematic analysis. Therefore, the interpretations of the

participants are important for providing the most appropriate explanations for their

behaviors, actions, and thoughts.

Thematic analysis has three link stages: data reduction, data display, and

data conclusions, all of which aided the researchers in drawing and verifying the

collected data (Miles & Huberman, 1994; Hatch, 2002; Creswell, 2003; Marks &

Yardley, 2004). The process of selecting, focusing, simplifying, abstracting, and

transforming the data that appeared in field notes and transcriptions is referred to as

data reduction. It enabled the researchers to organize and reduce the massive

amount of data in a meaningful way, making it more manageable. Furthermore, data

 21

reduction frequently necessitated decisions about which aspects of the accumulated

data should be emphasized, reduced, or eliminated entirely in order to shed light on

the issues at hand. To merge, manage, sort, and categorize data with ease, the

researchers enlisted the assistance of an expert, a data analyst, who specialized in

handling, sorting, and organizing voluminous qualitative data (Creswell, 2013).

Trustworthiness of the Study

To develop the study, we will religiously sought to satisfy the requirements for

standards of trustworthiness. According to Shenton (2004), these standards include

the principles of credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability.

Credibility refers to the confidence placed in the truth of the utilized research

design. Hence, credibility establishes whether the findings in a research endeavor

fully reflect plausible information drawn from the participants’ original data and is a

correct interpretation of the participants’ original views (Korstjens & Moser, 2018b).

In addressing the credibility of this study, we will demonstrate that a true picture of

the phenomenon under scrutiny is real and authentic.

Dependability is concerned with the stability of findings over time and under

different research conditions. As such, it is an evaluation of the quality of the

interrelated processes including the data collection, data analysis and

phenomenological explanations. In addition, dependability is mainly concerned on

the assessment of the quality of the integrated process of data collection, data

analysis and theory generation (Korstjens & Moser, 2018).

To address issues pertaining to dependability, we will use the overlapping

methods in the form of IDI and FGD. This is to reach data saturation. The use of

more than one method is mainly hinged on the argument that more methods are

always better than one. This only means that using more methods in research

generates better and more truthful findings. IDI is a useful method wherein

participants become more welcomed to openly confide with the interviewer-

researchers, given that there were only the two of us who discussed their
 22

experiences as elementary teachers teaching mathematics through mother tongue

language. Meanwhile, FGD is a method that enabled my participants to discuss ideas

on the same phenomenon which are common among them.

Also, in-depth methodological descriptions of the study are comprehensively

provided in Chapter 3 in order to allow other researchers to adapt or repeat the study

on their respective research sites. Circumstances such as the research design,

researchers roles, research participants, data collection, data analysis,

trustworthiness, as well as ethical considerations was documented thoroughly to

allow other researchers to look into the details of the research process and make

certain to acclimate the study into their own setting.

Moreover, we banked on an audit trail in the appendices to allow scrutiny of

the validity and faithfulness of the study’s results. An audit trail is appended on the

latter portion of this scholarly paper. Indicated in the audit was be the inventory of the

participants‟ responses in the in-depth interview (IDI) and focus group discussion

(FGD). Using the audit trail, others may be able to verify that the results of the study

were actually extracted from the participants‟ responses. Thus, results are therefore

not influenced by the researcher’s personal bias.

Confirmability refers to the findings of the research as verifiable by other

researchers. Also, it points on the quality of the interpretation of the results in relation

to its faithfulness to the data derived from the research process (Korstjens & Moser,

2018). In this study, confirmability will be done through transcribing, member

checking, and triangulation. After the series of interviews, all the participants will be

asked to review and checked interview transcripts and added anything that might

have been left out. The information shared with the participants in taking circle to

ensure that we interpreted the data correctly. Taking circles has become a method of

discussion that can be comforting to research. If there were no corrections to be

made, the former was asked to sign the transcription sheet as an affirmation of the

correctness of data.
 23

On the other hand, transferability pertains to the degree of the research

results being transferrable to other research contexts or other research participants.

In addressing the issues of transferability in my study, certain measures should be

followed (Korstjens & Moser, 2018). First, we will provide a sufficient background of

the data to establish the context of the study. We will do this by documenting as

much as possible every step and measure that was taken by the researchers in the

entire research process. Second, we will employed a thick description of the research

process by revealing every aspect of this research starting from the first down to the

last chapter including the appendices attached in this paper. Thus, the method,

procedures, instruments as well as forms were indicated in this paper. Of course, this

did not include information that may reveal the identity of my participants. Third, we

will provide a detailed description of the phenomenon by including sufficient related

literature as well as by describing meticulously the circumstances being presented in

this study

Ethical Consideration

To ensure the proper conduct of this research as well as the safety of those

involved in this undertaking, we will thoroughly conformed to the highest ethical

standards suggested by Mack et al. (2005). This includes the following components:

respect for persons, beneficence, justice, confidentiality, and consent.

The first principle, respect for persons, emphasizes consideration for others

and recognizes their inherent autonomy. Upholding the concept of autonomy can be

achieved by providing participants with sufficient information about the nature and

purpose of the research study in a participant information leaflet, enhancing their

informed consent (Kalu & Bwalya, 2017).

In this study, the researchers prepared an informed consent form in advance

for the participants. Interested individuals learned more about the study through the

provided letter. Additionally, the researchers respected participant opinions during

the interviews. Respecting the subjects and considering their viewpoints, culture,
 24

lifestyle, and choice to participate in the interview were essential. Participants were

always respected as individuals who held greater significance than the study itself.

Furthermore, before commencing the interview, the researchers sought permission to

record the entire conversation and all participant responses. The participants were

informed of their right to be informed about the study's results.

Consent was formalized to protect individuals' right to choose whether or not

to participate in research, fostering research interactions based on "trust and

integrity." Ensuring that a person's decision is voluntary and based on accurate

knowledge about the implications of participating in the research was crucial for

consent validity (Klykken, 2021).

In this study, participants were encouraged to make informed choices and

participate voluntarily, adhering to ethical standards in research. Additionally, the

researchers informed the participants of their rights to ask questions during the

interview, refuse to answer sensitive questions, and leave the interview without

providing an explanation. If participants chose to leave during the interview, the

researchers respected their decision to not complete it. The researchers ensured

that every participant was enthusiastic and motivated to contribute to the success of

the study. Furthermore, when interviewing a participant, consent was requested to

record the entire conversation to capture a complete picture of their experiences.

The third principle, beneficence, underscores that the study should be

beneficial and not risky to those people who will be involved in this study (Kirsh,

2019; National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and

Behavioral Research, 1978). As such, the results of this study were expected to be

beneficial among the participants of this undertaking.

The researchers will locate a secure location where the participants and

researchers can conduct a face-to-face interview. Participants in the interview

process are given the opportunity to tell their tales in a secure setting without fear of

rejection or criticism. Also the researchers will use pseudonyms to protect the identity
 25

of the participants so that the resources of statements and responses will not be

disclosed. Also, risks will be minimized in the event of the study. Since pandemic is

still happening, we will make sure that we wear facemask during the realization of

this study. These steps were done to avoid any possible health risks to both

ourselves and our participants.

The study did not also have any legal risk as the researchers complied with

all the ethical standards and measures imposed by the KCAST Research Ethics

Committee (REC). Proper permissions, documentations, and forms were acquired

and appended to provide evidence that the study has followed and conformed to

pertinent national and international laws. In the same way, the study did not have any

social risk as the researchers ensured that the confidentiality of the participants’

responses was highly prioritized in this undertaking. In fact, we indicated below a

number of concrete measures to maintain confidentiality of the research proceedings

as well as the anonymity of all our participants.

Confidentiality referred to the researcher's obligation to safeguard the

information entrusted to them. A breach of confidentiality could have had serious

consequences if other stakeholders had been able to identify the participants. It was

also crucial to establish trusting relationships with the participants (Tremblay &

Cadieux, 2018). Moreover, in this study, confidentiality was maintained through the

use of password-protected folders and data storage, aligning with the Data Privacy

Act of 2012.

To protect the participants' privacy, the researcher concealed their identities,

such as their names and addresses. The researcher replaced the participants' names

with pseudonyms. Names and other identifying information of the participants were

kept in separate, secure files. Research data were stored and were scheduled for

destruction three years after the completion of the study.

The fourth principle, justice, involved the equitable treatment of all

individuals, ensuring equal opportunities and avoiding unfairness or bias at any stage
 26

of the research process, particularly in participant selection, regardless of age,

gender, race, religion, socioeconomic level, or any other criteria (Farrugia, 2019).

The researcher acknowledged all participants' contributions to the study. As a

gesture of appreciation and acknowledgement for their time and efforts during the

interviews, the researcher provided thoughtful souvenirs or tokens. Additionally, the

researcher utilized purposive sampling to fairly select interview participants and

informants based on specified inclusion criteria suitable for the study.

 27

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