PERSONAL na tinanggap ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ngayong Martes ang college interns na makikibahagi sa Strategic Mentoring and Research Training (SMART) Internship Program ng House of Representatives, na kaniyang tinuran bilang isang “visionary project” na layong hubugin ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng lider.

Si Speaker Romualdez ang nagsilbing panauhing tagapagsalita sa pagpapasinaya ng internship na ginanap sa Women Legislators’ Lounge.

Kasamang dumalo sina Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, Isabela Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III, Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco, UP Chancellor Carlo Vistan, at mga dekano at opisyal ng katuwang na mga higher education institution.

“Our dear SMART interns, you are not just entering an institution; you’re stepping into the heart of our democracy. This is not merely an observational exercise but an avenue to understand the intricate machinery that drives our legislative body,” ani Speaker Romualdez, lider ng 312-kasapi ng Kamara de Representantes, sa 32 college interns mula UP, Lyceum, Trinity and UST.

Ani Speaker, si Marcos ay dating naging intern noong siya ay House Majority Leader pa lamang noong 18th Congress.

Pagbabahagi naman ni Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre na siya ang nagsimula bilsang ordinaryong congressional staff bago naluklok bilang kinatawan ngayong 19th Congress.

Ang mga estudyanteng bahagi ng internship program ay bibigyan ng immersion work sa iba’t ibang secretariat ng Mababang Kapulungan

“The Secretariat is the backbone of the House of the People. It ensures that the processes of drafting, deliberating, and passing legislation happen seamlessly. The value of the Secretariat in legislation is immense. Their work ensures that the voices of millions are effectively translated into policies and laws,” sabi ng pinakamataas na lider ng Kamara mula Tacloban City.

Paraan ani Romualdez ang programa upang masiguro na maisalin sa karapat-dapat na interns ang isinasabuhay na pagsisilbi at paglilingkod ng Kamara de Representates.

“To all the interns: you’ve been chosen because of your potential and the promise you show. Here, you’ll be part of a mission, a bigger picture, where we’re linking the passion of our youth with the experience and wisdom of the House of the People,” saad ng House Speaker

“Napili kayong lahat hindi lamang dahil magagaling kayo. Napili kayo dahil nakitaan kayo ng potensyal na maging lider ng bansa sa hinaharap. Kung ngayon ay interns kayo, umaasa ako na balang araw ay magiging bahagi rin kayo ng institusyong ito,” dagdag pa ni Romualdez

Paliwanag pa niya na personal nilang masasaksihan hindi lang ang trabaho ng House secretariat sa pagbuho ng mga batas ngunit maging sa nation-building.”

“By ensuring that every piece of legislation is meticulously handled, the Secretariat upholds the principles of our democracy, ensuring that our nation’s growth is rooted in the collective will of its people,” punto ni Romualdez

“Our partnering universities, thank you for trusting us with the best and the brightest of your students. It’s this collaboration that will ensure our nation’s policies and decisions continue to resonate with the younger generation,” aniya

“Interns, as you embark on this journey, remember: it’s about understanding our nation’s heartbeat, getting hands-on experience, and finding avenues where you can contribute and possibly even lead in the future.”