Two months ago, an unusual scene unfolded at the historic University of Santo Tomas campus: students walking out of their classes in protest. Their demand was clear — accountability and transparency amid corruption scandals linked to the country’s flood control and infrastructure projects.
The walkout was organized by various Thomasian student groups calling for “an end to systemic corruption.”
Despite the turnout, the question remains: Did this battle cry truly reflect the views of the entire UST student body?
To explore this, the UST Department of Business Economics conducted a university-wide survey from 21 to 27 October, gathering insights from 1,334 undergraduate students on civic engagement and political participation.
According to the survey, 72 percent of respondents (961 students) strongly agreed that the voice of the youth matters in national and political issues — showing a deep belief in their role in shaping the country’s democratic landscape.
However, belief does not always translate to action. Only 50.1 percent said they actively participate in civic activities, and 54 percent have engaged in discussions or forums on social or political concerns. Social media remains the dominant platform for expression, with 68.2 percent sharing their views online. Still, 67.5 percent said they are interested in joining civic activities if given the opportunity.
The survey also provides a clearer picture of how UST students view government institutions. Among the respondents, 81.4 percent reported awareness of the recent corruption scandals involving public officials. Their responses reflected shared concerns: diminishing trust in government, a growing demand for transparency, and strong calls for accountability in the management of public funds.
Despite skepticism, 68.2 percent believe corruption can be reduced through active citizen involvement. Many respondents emphasized civic education, transparency reforms, and greater youth representation in policymaking as ways to rebuild public trust.
UST has long taken pride in molding students to become competent, committed, and compassionate citizens. The survey results affirm this mission, with 66.5 percent of respondents saying the University encourages civic involvement.
However, participation in formal civic or political organizations remains low at only 16.6%. Even so, recent national controversies appear to be awakening renewed political consciousness: 75.7 percent said corruption issues have strengthened their desire to get involved.
The survey also reveals a hesitancy among students to voice criticism publicly. Around 50.3 percent said they do not feel fully comfortable expressing views that critique the government — suggesting concerns about the space for dissent and potential repercussions.
A notable 81.5 percent of respondents believe more young people should hold leadership positions in government. Understanding their role in nation-building, an overwhelming 95.9 percent said they plan to vote in the next national and local elections — proof that despite disillusionment, Thomasians remain deeply invested in democratic participation.
In their written recommendations, UST students called for more robust civic education programs in schools and online to help young Filipinos better understand their rights and responsibilities. They also pushed for stricter anti-corruption enforcement, stronger transparency mechanisms, and greater youth representation in governance — from barangay councils to national policymaking.
Several respondents emphasized that true change begins with participation: volunteering, joining advocacy groups, and voting wisely. Rebuilding trust in institutions, they said, requires not just government reform but an active, informed citizenry.
The Thomasian Walkout Against Corruption was one of several University-led efforts expressing the community’s commitment to truth and good governance. On 21 October, UST hosted a Lecture on Integrity and Accountability in Public Service with Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang as guest speaker. In the afternoon, Bishop Napoleon B. Sipalay Jr., O.P., DD, presided over a Eucharistic Celebration at the UST Chapel, highlighting the need for better governance and accountability.
Later that evening, a candle-lighting ceremony led by UST Rector Very Rev. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., illuminated the Carillon — a symbolic gesture expressing the Thomasian community’s prayer that truth may dispel the darkness of corruption and that integrity may guide public life.
Taken together, the study’s findings and the community’s collective call for change point toward meaningful opportunities for the University. They reaffirm the importance of socially attuned classroom experiences and thoughtful, peaceful engagement in shaping a more accountable society.
Arjay R. Mercado, ME, is an instructor at the Department of Business Economics of the UST College of Commerce and Business Administration. The survey was conducted with the help of the UST Economics Society.