MEMORANDUM ORDER NO.

___
Series of 2023

SUBJECT: GUIDELINES ON THE ERDB ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT)

PROGRAM

I. RATIONALE:

This procedure has been crafted to establish essential controls aimed at ensuring the
On-The-Job (OJT) training strategy effectively enriches the capabilities and skill sets of our
students. It provides undergraduate students with a priceless opportunity to acquire first-
hand experience in their respective areas of expertise.

A. Why Host On-The-Job Training (OJT):

Generally, hosting OJT/student’s interns can be a valuable practice for

organizations for several reasons. Specifically, our office tends to benefit from
interns such as:

a. Fresh Perspective: Students bring fresh ideas and perspectives. They often have
a more recent and up-to-date understanding of academic theories and practices,
which can help inject innovation into our projects and processes.
b. Skill Development: OJT offer students the opportunity to apply their classroom
knowledge to real-world situations. This helps them develop practical skills
that can be beneficial to our office, particularly if their coursework aligns with
our field of work.
c. Cost-Effective Labor: OJT typically do not receive compensation or other
emoluments. This can lead to cost savings for our office while still benefiting
from the valuable contributions of motivated individuals.
d. Recruitment Pipeline: Hosting OJT can serve as a pipeline for potential future
hires. By working closely with them, we can identify individuals who fit well
within our organization and culture, making it easier to hire them as full-time
employees when they graduate.
e. Increased Productivity: While they may require some initial training and
supervision, they can also take on tasks and projects that free up experienced
staff to focus on more complex or strategic activities. This can increase overall
office productivity.

In the exigency of the service and to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students from
different Schools, Colleges and Universities and as part of our commitment to address the needs of
various sectors by offering our technical support, the Policies and Procedures is hereby adopted.

II. OBJECTIVES:

ERDB is steadfast in fulfilling its mandate, which encompasses formulating,

implementing, and coordinating integrated research, development, and extension initiatives
related to environmental and natural resources (ENR) and other overarching concerns. Our
commitment is to address the needs of various sectors by offering technical support to
DENR sectors, engaging with stakeholders, including civil society, and nurturing
connections with pertinent local and international institutions. Consequently, we have
chosen to adopt the Policies and Procedures of On-The-Job Training to further our mission.

III. RATIONALE:
 This procedure has been crafted to establish essential controls aimed at ensuring the
On-The-Job (OJT) training strategy effectively enriches the capabilities and skill sets of our
students. It provides undergraduate students with a priceless opportunity to acquire first-
hand experience in their respective areas of expertise.

B. Why Host On-The-Job Training (OJT):

Generally, hosting OJT/student’s interns can be a valuable practice for

organizations for several reasons. Specifically, our office tends to benefit from
interns such as:

a. Fresh Perspective: Students bring fresh ideas and perspectives. They often have
a more recent and up-to-date understanding of academic theories and practices,
which can help inject innovation into our projects and processes.
b. Skill Development: OJT offer students the opportunity to apply their classroom
knowledge to real-world situations. This helps them develop practical skills
that can be beneficial to our office, particularly if their coursework aligns with
our field of work.
c. Cost-Effective Labor: OJT typically do not receive compensation or other
emoluments. This can lead to cost savings for our office while still benefiting
from the valuable contributions of motivated individuals.
d. Recruitment Pipeline: Hosting OJT can serve as a pipeline for potential future
hires. By working closely with them, we can identify individuals who fit well
within our organization and culture, making it easier to hire them as full-time
employees when they graduate.
e. Increased Productivity: While they may require some initial training and
supervision, they can also take on tasks and projects that free up experienced
staff to focus on more complex or strategic activities. This can increase overall
office productivity.

f. Diversity and Inclusion: OJT can help us promote diversity and inclusion
within our organization by providing opportunities to students from various
backgrounds and experiences.
g. Networking: Students often come with their own networks and connections,
which can be beneficial for our office. They may bring in new contacts,
partnerships, or resources that we can leverage
h. Community Engagement: Hosting OJT is a way to give back to the community
and support educational institutions. It shows that our office is invested in the
development of future professionals.
i. Research and Special Projects: They can be assigned to research tasks or
special projects that may not have been a priority for regular staff. This can
help us explore new areas of interest or gather data that can inform our
decision-making.
j. Mentorship Opportunities: Having trainees allows experienced staff to take on
mentorship roles, which can be professionally rewarding and contribute to their
own growth and development.
III. PROCEDURES:

A. Letter Request Submission:

a) The School Coordinator shall submit to the Director a letter request for
student internship opportunities.

B. Endorsement and Submission to ERDB Director:

a) Once signed by the OJT Coordinator, the letter of request should be
endorsed by the respective Division Chiefs or Center Heads within the
institution.
b) After obtaining endorsements, submit the letter to the ERDB Director.

C. Division Assessment:
a) Upon receiving the request, the Human Resource Development Section
will review the letter to identify the Division or Center within ERDB that
best aligns with the students' courses.
 b) Suitability will be determined based on relevance to the students' field of
study and the availability of internship opportunities.
c) The Division/Center Head's approval is required to confirm their
capacity to accommodate and guide the students during their internship.

D. Preparation of Letter of Acceptance and Document Submission:

a) ERDB will create a formal Letter of Acceptance for selected OJT
program participants.
b) The Letter of Acceptance will outline the documents students must
submit before commencing the OJT Program. These documents include:
• Student's Biodata/CV
• Parent's Consent Form
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Student's Work Plan
• Medical Certificate (if applicable)
• Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) template provided by ERDB.

E. Orientation and Internship Overview

Upon deployment and prior to commencing the OJT activities, the

OJT Coordinator will convene with the students to provide a
comprehensive orientation. During this orientation, key aspects will be
addressed, including a review of the work plan, host institution guidelines,
the performance evaluation process, and other pertinent documents.

Furthermore, ERDB will conduct an orientation session for the

students, offering insights into its mandates and programs, organizational
structure, Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, guidelines on
decorum and addressing sexual harassment (CODI), as well as an overview
of office policies and procedures. This dual orientation approach ensures
that
interns are well-prepared and informed as they embark on their internship
journey.

F. Culminating Activities
Towards the conclusion of the On-the-Job Training (OJT)
program, a Culminating Activity will be organized. This event serves as a
platform for interns to present their acquired knowledge and
accomplishments during their entire OJT period. During this event, interns
will have the opportunity to showcase and discuss their key learnings and
the outcomes achieved throughout their OJT journey. The Culminating
Activity is a pivotal component of the program and is mandatory for all
participants.

This event will be attended by a distinguished panel, including

OJT Coordinators, supervisors, and Division Chiefs/Center Heads. Their
presence underscores the importance of this occasion and allows for a
comprehensive evaluation of the interns' performance and growth during
their time with the organization.
Interns will be expected to deliver presentations that highlight their
experiences, accomplishments, and the skills they have acquired. This
platform not only provides interns with a chance to demonstrate their
professional development but also allows them to receive valuable
feedback and insights from experienced professionals.

The Culminating Activity serves as a valuable reflection point,

fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning. It ensures that
the OJT program leaves interns with a sense of achievement and prepares
them for their future endeavors."

G. Awarding of Certificate of Completion/Performance Evaluation

Upon the successful completion of the required internship hours,

students will be eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion (COC).
This certificate signifies the fulfillment of their internship program and the
valuable experience gained during this period.
 Furthermore, as part of the assessment process, the Performance
Evaluation Form will be furnished to students by their immediate
supervisors. This form serves as a comprehensive evaluation of their
performance, providing valuable feedback and insights into their strengths
and areas for improvement during their internship. It is an essential
component in recognizing and acknowledging the interns' contributions
and growth throughout their internship journey.

For information and guidance.

MARIA LOURDES G. FERRER, CESO III

College, 4031, Laguna, Philippines

Tel Nos: (6349)5363628; 5362229; 5362269 Fax No. (6349)5362850
E-mail: erdb@denr.gov.ph