UP Diliman Students Launch Run for Accountability
Amid rising concerns over corruption allegations linked to infrastructure projects, the University of the Philippines Diliman is spearheading a unique campaign. The student council from the UP College of Science is organizing a community event called the Run for Accountability to channel public frustration through a meaningful activity.
Community members and runners from various backgrounds are invited to join this initiative, which aims to raise awareness and inspire action against corruption. By combining advocacy with physical activity, the event hopes to unite Filipinos in a collective stand for transparency and integrity.
Details of the Fun Run Against Corruption
The Run for Accountability fun run is scheduled for Sunday, September 7, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The venue is the iconic UP Academic Oval, a well-known hub for runners in Metro Manila. Organizers expect a turnout of at least a thousand participants, with registrations already surpassing 900 as of the evening before the event.
Local leaders noted that partner groups such as Bayan and the progressive science organization Agham have pledged support, bolstering the event’s reach. On-site registration will open at 6 a.m., followed by a brief program to kick off the morning.
Inclusive and Engaging Activities for All
The event welcomes everyone and is free of charge, although donations are accepted to support the cause. Before the run begins, the UP Runners Club will lead participants in a 15-minute warm-up session to prepare for the activity ahead.
Runners can choose between two distances: 2.5 kilometers or 5.5 kilometers. The route starts at Quezon Hall, with the shorter distance covering one lap around the UP Oval, while the longer option includes two laps.
Creative Elements to Highlight the Cause
To add a playful yet meaningful touch, volunteers dressed as contractors will run along the route, pretending to flee from participants. This symbolic chase represents the public’s demand for accountability from those involved in questionable projects.
Participants will also receive running bibs emblazoned with powerful messages such as “Ayaw ko sa Korap!” and other calls to end corruption. These visual statements reinforce the event’s mission throughout the run.
Symbolic Finish Line Statements
At the finish line, organizers prepared images of prominent figures linked to recent corruption controversies, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senate President Francis Escudero, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and contractors like Sarah Discaya. Runners are encouraged to symbolically step on these images as a gesture of protest.
“This is part of our campaign to end corruption especially with the flood control projects and other infrastructure projects, and to press the original ‘nepo baby,’ which is Marcos,” a project staff member explained. “It is important for us to point out that conditions in the country haven’t changed since the time of his father and especially on the topic of corruption.”
Continuing the Fight Beyond the Run
Aside from the run, organizers will invite participants to join the mobilization on September 21, commemorating the anniversary of martial law’s declaration. This extended effort aims to sustain public vigilance against abuses of power.
Those interested in joining can register through the UP College of Science Student Council’s official channels. The event promises to be both a physical and symbolic stride toward greater government accountability.
For more news and updates on corruption awareness, visit Filipinokami.com.
