Internship Application Letter Speech Therapist in Philippines Manila – Free Word Template Download with AI

For the Position of Speech Therapist Intern

May 26, 2025

Dr. Maria Santos

Clinical Director

Manila Speech & Language Rehabilitation Center

345 Calle Real, Binondo, Manila

Philippines

Dear Dr. Santos,

It is with profound enthusiasm and deep respect for the noble profession of speech therapy that I submit my Internship Application Letter for the Speech Therapist Intern position at the Manila Speech & Language Rehabilitation Center. As a final-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology student at De La Salle University, Manila, I have meticulously prepared this application to contribute to your esteemed institution’s mission of transforming communication disorders into opportunities for human connection within the vibrant community of Philippines Manila.

My academic journey has been profoundly shaped by the unique linguistic diversity and healthcare challenges present in our nation. The Philippines’ rich tapestry of over 170 languages, coupled with rising speech disorder prevalence among children due to socioeconomic factors, has ignited my commitment to specializing in culturally responsive therapy. During my undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman, I conducted fieldwork in Quezon City public schools where I observed how communication barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities—a reality that reinforced my decision to pursue this career path specifically within the Philippines Manila context. My research on "Bilingual Speech Development in Tagalog-English Contexts" was published in the Philippine Journal of Speech and Hearing Sciences, directly aligning with your center’s focus on multilingual therapeutic approaches.

What draws me most to your institution is its pioneering work in integrating traditional Filipino healing philosophies with evidence-based practices. Having volunteered at the Philippine Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (PASLP) outreach programs, I witnessed firsthand how your team’s holistic methodology—combining Western techniques with *bayanihan* community support systems—achieves extraordinary outcomes for children with apraxia and stuttering in Manila’s urban poor communities. This philosophy resonates deeply with my own clinical approach, which emphasizes that effective therapy must honor cultural identity while addressing functional communication needs. For instance, during my internship at St. Luke's Medical Center, I developed a culturally tailored intervention for a Filipino child who refused therapy until we incorporated *kamag-anak* (family) involvement in sessions—a strategy now being studied by your research team.

My practical experience includes 320 hours of supervised clinical practice across three Manila-based settings, where I honed skills critical to success as a Speech Therapist Intern in our national context. At the National Children's Hospital in Quezon City, I collaborated with pediatricians on early intervention for cleft palate cases under Dr. Cruz’s mentorship—gaining fluency in administering the Filipino version of the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation. More significantly, through a PASLP scholarship program, I provided home-based therapy to 15 families in Tondo, Manila’s largest informal settlement. This experience taught me to adapt therapy sessions for limited resources (using locally available materials like *banig* mats for sensory integration), a skill I believe aligns perfectly with your center’s community-focused model in Philippines Manila.

I am particularly eager to contribute to your ongoing "Barrio Literacy Project" addressing speech disorders among indigenous communities in the National Capital Region. My bilingual proficiency (Tagalog, English, and basic Cebuano) and cultural competency—honed through family immersion in Ilocos Norte—would allow me to bridge communication gaps during fieldwork. I’ve also completed specialized training in Telehealth Delivery for Rural Settings (Philippine Department of Health certification), which I believe will support your initiative to extend services beyond Manila’s urban centers. Your recent publication on "Cultural Adaptation of AAC Devices for Filipino Children" directly inspired my thesis, and I am eager to learn under your guidance while contributing my research on low-cost alternative communication tools using *salabat* (lemon grass) as a sensory aid.

My understanding of the Philippine healthcare landscape informs my commitment to this role. I recognize that as a Speech Therapist in Manila, we operate within both the Department of Health’s guidelines and local community expectations—requiring balance between clinical rigor and cultural humility. For example, when working with *lolo* (grandfather) patients in Malabon, I learned that therapy must incorporate respect for elder辈分 (seniority), making our sessions more effective through family-centered approaches rather than individual focus. This awareness ensures that my work as a Speech Therapist Intern will always prioritize patient-centered care within the Philippines Manila context.

The Manila Speech & Language Rehabilitation Center represents not just an internship opportunity, but the ideal environment to grow into a culturally grounded professional. I am prepared to commit fully to your six-month program, including evening and weekend sessions that serve Manila’s working families—reflecting my understanding of local community needs. My resume details further qualifications including certification in Pediatric Dysphagia Management (PASLP) and proficiency with ASHA-recommended software adapted for Filipino dialects. I am confident that my academic foundation, field experience, and deep respect for our nation’s linguistic heritage position me to make meaningful contributions to your team.

Thank you for considering this Internship Application Letter from a future colleague committed to advancing speech therapy standards in Philippines Manila. I have attached my resume, academic transcripts, and references from Dr. Elena Mendoza (Dean of Health Sciences, DLSU) and Dr. Luisa Reyes (Director at Philippine Speech Therapy Association). I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your center’s vision during an interview at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully yours,

Attachment: Resume, Academic Transcripts, PASLP Certification

This Internship Application Letter reflects my dedication to elevating speech therapy standards within the Philippines Manila community through culturally intelligent practice and clinical excellence.