The Students’ Training Support (STrainS) Program is an immersion, on-the-job training (OJT) or internship program designed for high school (junior and senior) and college (undergraduate and graduate) students in the Philippines seeking training at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI). It aims to provide real-life work learning experience to help them transition from students to professionals.
Immersion/OJT/Internship Schedule
The program is available in two cycles every year. However, student acceptance depends on the mentors’ request and availability. The table below shows the cycle and application period.
| Cycle | Immersion /OJT/ Internship Period | Application Period |
| 1 | January – June | November 1 – December 1 |
| 2 | July – December | May 1 – June 1 |
Course Program
The table below outlines the priority agendas of various divisions and centers within DA-NFRDI. Applicants may apply to the office whose function best suits their career goals and interests.
| DIVISION/CENTER | FOCUS AREA |
| Aquaculture Research and Development Division Quezon City | Conduct research on aquaculture, including breeding, feed and nutrition, aquatic animal health, farming systems, engineering, and aquaculture technology business incubation. |
| Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division Quezon City | Conduct research on capture fisheries, including the ecological and economic studies on fishery resources, and the impacts of fishing methods and gears in inland ecosystems, coastal and distant waters, including the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). |
| Fisheries Postharvest Research and Development Division Quezon City | Conduct research on postharvest and marketing, including fish handling and processing, product development, seafood safety and quality, trade of fish products, and postharvest technology business incubation. |
| Planning, Policy and Information Division Quezon City | Formulate, monitor, and evaluate the periodic plans and programs, policy agenda, and information system; and develop strategic and operational plans, policy recommendation standards, and guidelines. |
| Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center Butong, Taal, Batangas | Conduct research, development, and extension services in freshwater fisheries, including fisheries resource stock assessment studies within the jurisdiction of the Fishery Managed Areas 1, 5, 6, and 12. |
| Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center Sto. Niño, Guiuan, Eastern Samar | Conduct research, development, and extension on marine water fisheries, including fishery resources stock assessment study within the jurisdiction of the Fishery Managed Areas 7, 8, 10, and 11. |
| Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center Lala, Lanao del Norte | Conduct research, development, and extension services on brackishwater fisheries, including fishery resources stock assessment study within the jurisdiction of the Fishery Managed Areas 2, 3, 4, and 9. |
| Fisheries Biotechnology Center Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija | Conduct fundamental, innovative, and cutting-edge research for development (R4D) studies using advanced tools of biotechnology and technology transfer and commercialization of fishery biotech products. |
| Integrated Research Laboratory Quezon City | Conduct laboratory analysis of NFRDI research and development studies through chemical, biological, and molecular testing; and facilitate the procurement, transportation, usage, and disposal of controlled chemicals vis-à-vis securing permits and licenses from regulatory agencies. |
| Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory Quezon City | Render DNA-based identification of confiscated, regulated, endangered, near-threatened, prohibited species in the early developmental stage, processed fish samples, as well as endemic aquatic species in both freshwater and marine environments, including those that are exported or traded. This service is available free of charge to the BFAR Central Office, BFAR Regional Offices, Law Enforcement Agencies, and other government agencies related to fisheries. |
| Training Division Quezon City | Develop and conduct capacity-building and training programs in fisheries for the Institute’s internal and external stakeholders. Produce IECs for multimedia use, integral to science-based decision-making and technology promotion, and utilize them effectively. |
| Finance and Administrative Division Quezon City | Undertake administrative and financial functions, including management of human resources, property, general services, records, cash management, budgeting, and accounting. |
Application Process
Requirements must be submitted in one application packet from November 1 to December 1 for Cycle 1 and from May 1 to June 1 for Cycle 2. Only the complete application packet will be considered for processing.
Requirements
The following documents are the expected content of an application packet:
- Endorsement letter signed by the school head addressed to the NFRDI Executive Director
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificate of good moral character
- Thesis/Dissertation Proposal (for Graduate Students)
The waiver and medical certificate of the student, as well as the Memorandum of Agreement between the requesting school and NFRDI, will be required once the application is accepted.
Selection Process
Application documents will be forwarded to the division or center specified in the application form by the NFRDI OJT/Internship coordinator. The division or center may make a verbal offer to an applicant. However, the offer is not “official” until an applicant receives a written notice from the NFRDI coordinator.
Reporting
The applicant shall receive written notification from the NFRDI coordinator indicating the duration of their training program and the required attendance at mandatory orientation.
Feedback Mechanism
To further enhance the implementation of the DA-NFRDI STrainS Program, trainees and interns must evaluate the technical assistance received from NFRDI prior to receiving their certificate of completion.
For more information and queries, email at: internship@nfrdi.da.gov.ph.
Downloadables
Testimonials
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