SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday welcomed incoming college interns who are part of the Strategic Mentoring and Research Training (SMART) Internship Program of the House of Representatives, which he described as “a visionary project that aims to groom the next generation of leaders.”

Speaker Romualdez was the guest speaker at the launch of the internship program held at the Women Legislators’ Lounge. The event was also attended by 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 and deans and officials of partner higher education institutions.

“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,” Speaker Romualdez, the leader of the 312-member House of Representatives, told 32 college interns from UP, Lyceum, Trinity and UST.

The Speaker said Marcos was a former intern when he was the House Majority Leader during the previous 18th Congress.

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre also shared during the event that he started as ordinary congressional staff before being elected congressman this 19th Congress.

The participants in the internship program will be assigned to do immersion work within the secretariat of the lower chamber.

“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,” the highest-ranking House leader from Tacloban City said.

He said that the program is the chamber’s way of ensuring that the torch of leadership and service in the House of Representatives “is passed on to capable hands.”

“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,” Speaker Romuldez said.

He explained that interns will be witnessing, firsthand, how the House secretariat works, “not just in legislation but also in 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,” Romualdez noted.

“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,” he said.

“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.”