Ombudsman Integrity Caravan Goes to UP

by Edwin Vladimir P. Mengullo

Atty. Rhodora N. Felix-galicia, Chairperson of the University Integrity Tour,
discussing the Campus Integrity Crusaders project

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Office of the Ombudsman, in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held the University Integrity Tour last December 9, 2013 at the NCPAG Assembly Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

A view of the NCPAG Assembly Hall
 as the event goes on from the back center aisle

The tour was held with the theme “Empowering the Nation in its Unrelenting Pursuit of Good Governance”. It was held in connection with Proclamation No. 506, signed November 16, 2012, which declared the 9th day of December as the Anti-Corruption Day in the Philippines. In addition, RA 10589, signed May 27, 2013, declared the month of December as the Anti-Corruption Awareness Month. The aforementioned date runs parallel to the International Anti-Corruption Day.

In her Welcome Remarks, Dr. Maria Fe Mendoza, Dean of National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), talked about the importance of integrity and the Integrity Tour being one of the five components of the Ombudsman Integrity Caravan. “Let us be one in the crusade against corruption,” the dean said as she rallied for support towards the cause.

After her speech, Mr. Toshihiro Tanaka, Country Director of United Nations Development Programme
talked about the existence of corruption everywhere, expressing that combating it through integrity is the paramount global framework of UNDP. Dr. Caesar A. Saloma, Chancellor of University of the Philippines Diliman, then talked about the Philippines being the third least transparent country in the world with 30-39 Corruption Index. He also said that the University of the Philippines is an institution that helps combat corruption. “Clean government starts within ourselves,” said Chancellor Saloma.

Director Dennis Russell D. Baldago, Chairperson of the Integrity Caravan Committee, gave the overview of the Ombudsman Integrity Caravan and the University Integrity Tour. He discussed the eight-point priorities of the Ombudsman, the current administration of Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales and the five complementary activities of their office.

Mr. Raymond Rodis, UP-NCPAG Student
Council Chairperson, giving his response on behalf of
the student body of the college

Subsequently, Atty. Rhodora N. Fenix-Galicia, Chairperson of the University Integrity Tour, discussed the Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC) project. “Campus Integrity Crusaders aims to enhance youth participation in promoting a culture of integrity in the society,” said Atty. Galicia. According to her, it also aims to develop in the youth leadership, integrity, and social responsibility. She said that there are a total of 317 accredited CICs in the Philippines and only 3% or 10 are colleges/universities.

NCPAG Student Council Chairperson Raymond Rodis gave his response on behalf of the student body of the college. He said that the fight against corruption must start at the University level and UP-NCPAG supports the International Anti-Corruption Day. He then led the Pledge of Commitment and Atty. Asryman T. Rafanan, Assistant Ombudsman of the Office of the Ombudsman, delivered his Closing Remarks. “Ang may pagkukulang ay dapat panagutin,” said Assistant Ombudsman Rafanan. ■