White ribbons were tied to all HAU gates on November 18 in line with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) call for “transparency and accountability” following alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.
In a memorandum released by the Institute for Christian Formation and Social Integration (ICFSI) through University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Omar Niño Defensor on October 27, the white ribbons were put up in solidarity university with the national call for “truth, peace, and moral renewal.”
“Let this simple gesture be a visible expression of our shared faith and collective commitment to honesty, compassion, and justice—values that define who we are as a Catholic academic community,” the statement read.
Fr. Defensor further encouraged all university stakeholders, including students, faculty, and non-teaching personnel, to wear white every Friday starting November until the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 23 as a “sign of penance and a call for transparency.”
“As a Catholic nation, we are called to stand for truth and morality. Corruption is a sin and the greatest tragedy is when we grow numb to such inhumane acts,” he said.
The white ribbons were installed three weeks after the memorandum was circulated to the HAU community.
USC prexy urges HAU to issue earlier, ‘stronger’ statement
Meanwhile, HAU – University Student Council (HAU-USC) President Adonis Cayanan said he appreciates the University Chaplain’s gesture to call for good governance.
However, he noted that an earlier release and a stronger statement from the university officials would have been “better” than displaying a white ribbon as an official statement.
“Releasing it a month after the height of public concern and without a strong online presence lessens its potential impact and visibility,” he stated.
“I encourage that such symbolic actions be complemented by more concrete steps: continuous education and awareness campaigns, open dialogues between students and administrators, and sustained advocacy for moral and social responsibility,” Cayanan added.
The HAU-USC president further emphasized that coordinated efforts between the HAU administration and the HAU-USC would “strengthen” the collective call to hold responsible officials accountable.
However, as of writing, the council has not yet been formally invited for any collaborative work regarding the issue.
“We are open and very willing to partner with them—especially since our goals align: to advocate for transparency, accountability, and moral integrity,” he said.
On September 18, the HAU-USC alongside all college student councils (CSCs) called for transparency and accountability in the flood control project scandals In a solidarity statement.
