The 45-day Internship Program of Finance Division of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) concluded on June 1, 2014 through a Culmination Ceremony at Sardonyx Plaza and Restaurant, Cotabato City.

Thirteen (13) accounting technology students from the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City completed the said program. The internship program kicked off on April 16, 2014 and ended on May 31, 2014.

The interns received certificates of completion while some of them received special awards in recognition of their exemplary performance.

In his opening message, Ustadz Luqman Tandalong, Program Management Officer of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) implemented by BDA stressed the importance of knowledge and that BDA is glad of being part of inculcating the knowledge to the students during their internship.

Engr. Nasser Sinarimbo, Organizational Performance Management Consultant of the BDA, encouraged students to be forward looking. He told them to continue learning, widen their horizon and look forward as main actors playing important roles in the economic development of the Bangsamoro government.

The students were very grateful of the words of wisdom stated by BDA key personnel. “We really are thankful for the advices coming from you and this internship really is different from usual training. We were really exposed into hands-on training, hands-on financial works that able us to learn more,” the interns said.

Mohammad S. Yacob, BDA Executive Director, congratulated the students who successfully completed the intership program. “This is the first time that BDA formally accepted internship program and this is indeed very successful. Congratulations to everyone!” Director Yacob stated.

During internship, students were exposed into actual accounting works such as generation of reports, preparation of voucher and even administrative related functions.

According to Hamodi Tiboron, Head of BDA Finance Division, this internship program is part of the BDA’s effort towards sound and excellent financial management. Through the program, Finance staff of BDA were given a chance to supervise which accordingly is a significant skill. The works of the students also help in coming up with further analysis of financial management of BDA. Inputs from the students based on their hands on works in the course of the program were also recognized as very useful for the improvement of the financial management of the agency.

Tiboron further stated that the program provided also a chance for BDA to show its established financial system towards a positive change for Bangsamoro. “This program provides opportunity for BDA to promote transparency and good governance. The students, as outsiders from BDA can tell others of these good practices at BDA which we can consider a milestone for the agency. This program likewise opened the door for possible partnership with other stakeholders,” Tiboron said.

BDA and Notre Dame University signed a training agreement for this internship program on April 2014.