Youth groups rally in Iloilo vs. corruption, budget misuse

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By Juliane Judilla

In a show of solidarity, Pamatan-on Kontra Kurapsyon (PAKK), a broad alliance of youth-led groups, student councils, campus publications, and civil society organizations in Iloilo City, coordinated a series of protest actions in commemoration of the Youth Day of Action Against Corruption on Oct. 17.

With the rallying cry “Badyet sa Edukasyon, indi sa Korapsyon” (Budget for Education, not Corruption), PAKK seeks to highlight the urgent need to reallocate public funds away from corrupt practices and toward basic social services, especially education.

A Day of Action and Solidarity

Among the key protest actions staged across Iloilo were:

• White Friday– Students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) wore white in solidarity, symbolizing the call for transparency and clean governance, in an action led by the university’s student council.
• Banner Hanging– From Oct. 17 to Nov. 17, Catholic schools, state universities, and private institutions across the region are displaying banners and streamers demanding accountability and reform.
• Educational Discussions– Discussions on corruption and public accountability were held at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Iloilo City campus, engaging students in critical discourse on governance and reform.
• Photo Ops by Kabataan Partylist–Lopez Jaena– Youth participants took photos holding placards with anti-corruption messages.
• Picket Rallies– Students from UPV Miagao staged a lightning rally at Lean Alejandro Hall, while WVSU students held a picket protest in front of their campus.

The demonstrations aimed to swiftly amplify public awareness about rampant corruption in government.

‘All Roads Lead to NSD’

Today’s activities are part of a broader campaign culminating on Nov. 17 during the observance of National Students’ Day, with the “Lakat Kontra Pangawat,” where students are expected to march to the streets from their classrooms and campuses.

PAKK promises an even bigger turnout, calling on fellow youth to join the march for integrity, accountability, and increased budget allocation for education.

“These actions are part of our growing call to end corruption and push for a higher education budget. The youth must take a stand and demand better governance,” declared PAKK.

The alliance continues to urge young people across the country to unite, speak up, and demand a government that invests in education instead of enriching the corrupt.