A call to all Zambosurians

Last September 5, residents of Pagadian joined hands in prayer and protest during the Black Friday Protest and Candle Lighting Vigil at Plaza Luz. Organized by the Knights of Columbus with support from the local church, youth, and civic groups, the event stood as a powerful reminder that corruption remains one of the greatest enemies of progress in our province and in our nation.

The prayers, the candles, and the placards carried that evening spoke louder than words. They conveyed the anguish of citizens betrayed by officials who misuse public funds through ghost projects, incomplete infrastructures, and substandard works that rob communities of their rightful development. Billions of pesos meant for schools, hospitals, farm-to-market roads, and public services are lost not by accident, but through greed.

This fight is not only for the Knights of Columbus, the youth, or the church. It is for every Zambosurian. We cannot remain silent while corruption eats away at our future. As Dr. Edgar Legaspi stressed, “All sectors must unite to stop the massive abuse of public funds.” Silence and apathy only embolden wrongdoers.

Now is the time to demand accountability. The perpetrators of corruption must not only be exposed; they must be held responsible. They do not deserve to remain in power or continue to squander resources that belong to the people.

But the battle does not stop with speeches or rallies. Each of us has a role. Citizens must be vigilant. When you see ghost projects, substandard infrastructure, or defective roads, bridges, and buildings in your community, do not ignore them. Report them to the proper authorities. Demand that your taxes are used to uplift lives not to line pockets.

Corruption thrives in darkness. Let us be the light that exposes it. Together, ZamboSurians can protect our province from the cycle of waste and betrayal. Together, we can ensure that public funds truly serve the public good.

The time for action is now. Let us rise as one community, unafraid to speak, unafraid to demand justice. For the sake of our children, our future, and the generations to come, we must declare with one voice: Stop corruption, save our future. 

– CHARNYL S. ALBARRACIN

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail