By Cassandra Luis J. De Leon

Highlighting students’ power in driving societal change amid the corruption issues, Far Eastern University (FEU) Makati held its ‘Transparency and Accountability: The Cornerstones of Good Governance’ event with former Senator Orlando ‘Orly’ Mercado last September 30. 

The initiative aimed to inform students regarding the foundations of good governance to better understand the ongoing corruption concerns within the country.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Makati Student Council (SC) Vice President Karl Lenin Bautista emphasized the vital role of the current generation in addressing and fighting against systemic problems. 

“Encourage today’s youth to actively participate in movements that genuinely aim to eradicate corruption and malpractice, thereby improving the lives of every Filipino—anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity,” the vice president stated.

Following President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address last July 28 where he mentioned the anomalous flood control projects worth P118 billion, the corruption scandal involving government departments, politicians, and contractors has escalated. 

Moreover, Bautista pointed out the importance of fostering principled leadership among the youth. 

“Amidst the current political climate in the Philippines—marked by persistent issues of corruption—the call for an informed, responsible, and accountable generation of young leaders has become more urgent than ever… The organizers sought to create a platform that would guide the youth in navigating these realities and inspire them to pursue meaningful change. By doing so, the event aimed to set the tone for good governance among the nation’s future leaders,” he said. 

According to him, it is inherent for the youth to bring difference to society.

Furthermore, the Vice President stressed the weight of awareness on issues and values needed for governance to better assert the rights guaranteed to Filipinos.

“Amidst the issues prevailing today, [may] we be reminded of the importance of transparency and accountability so we can know the rights from which we are entitled to,” he added. 

Echoing the former senator’s call for proactiveness, Bautista urged everyone to identify problems within communities and demand actions from authorities to address them. 

“From the words of the speaker himself, Dr. Orly Mercado, transparency and accountability can begin in the very environment where you may find yourself. It can be utilized when you find whatever’s wrong in your community and do it right by demanding the proper treatment and remedy on such ongoing issues,” Bautista mentioned.

The event was organized by the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance Academic Office in collaboration with FEU Makati SC.

(Photo courtesy of Mikhail Ynigo Conde)