TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (March 6, 2025) – The City Government of Tarlac is facing criticism for allegedly exploiting student-trainees enrolled in its Work Immersion and On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs for propaganda purposes.
A memorandum issued by the Office of the City Administrator has sparked controversy, as it requires students to create and share social media content promoting the city government as a condition for receiving their certificates of completion.
The memorandum, dated Feb. 26, 2025, directs all department heads and office heads to ensure that student-trainees create social media posts, reels, or stories about their experiences and learnings under the City Government of Tarlac.
Additionally, students are required to share posts from the official Facebook page of the Tarlac City Information Office, which highlights the activities and programs of the local government. Proof of compliance, in the form of screenshots or links, must be submitted before students can receive their certificates.
Critics argue that these requirements amount to unpaid labor and exploitation, as students are essentially being used to amplify the city government’s messaging on social media.
“This is a clear misuse of authority,” said a local education advocate who wished to remain anonymous.
“Students are being forced to act as unpaid promoters for the city government, which is not the purpose of work immersion or OJT programs,” she added.
The memorandum emphasizes the importance of these tasks in ensuring the “successful and effective conduct” of the training programs. However, many see this as an overreach, with some questioning the ethical implications of requiring students to engage in what appears to be state-sponsored propaganda.
The city administrator defended why the city government is requiring immersion students to post on social media as a prerequisite for their certification.
“The rationale for requiring immersion students to create and share social media content about their experiences is to enhance public engagement and transparency while promoting the City Government of Tarlac’s programs,” Castro said on Facebook.
However, questions remain about the boundaries of work immersion programs and the responsibilities of local governments in ensuring that such initiatives serve the educational and professional development of students, rather than the political or promotional interests of those in power.
