Ombudsman enlists youth in fight vs. corruption
AS WATCHDOGS OF GOV’T
LINGAYEN–Starting ‘em young against corruption.
This is one of the aims of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) in its Campus Integrity Crusaders (CICs) program, which was launched in the province at the Pangasinan National High School here last July 31.
“It is important that principles of good governance are planted among the youth so they can realize at an early age that corruption is wrong and they can do something to prevent it,” said lawyer Gerard Mosquera, deputy ombudsman for Luzon, during the launch.
The CIC, being undertaken by the Ombudsman with the Department of Education, is a non-partisan school-based youth organization recognized by a secondary or tertiary educational institution and duly accredited by the OMB.
“The battle against corruption is not just the work of the government; it demands every sector of society to halt this practice,” Mosquera said.
Through accredited CICs, the OMB wants to strengthen youth involvement against corruption by developing their leadership skills and instilling values of integrity and social responsibility.
Under the CIC program, youth organizations can undertake activities that will encourage their members and the community to become government watchdogs against anomalies.
“Through this campaign, we can create an environment where people, especially the youth, have the courage to become whistleblowers,” said Mosquera.
“If they witnessed irregularities, even among their parents, they will not turn a blind eye but will report it to authorities instead,” he added.
OMB will also conduct the Ombudsman Integrity Caravan-University Tour this September in 10 colleges, including the Pangasinan State University as part of its 25th year anniversary celebration.
The university tour seeks to showcase the programs of the Ombudsman and explain how the community can help the OMB in implementing its programs against corruption. (PIA1-Pangasinan/AMM)
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