UP Open University Calls for Accountability and Open Governance
on the Recent Public Infrastructure Fiasco
UP Open University stands with the Filipino people in expressing deep concern over the recent public infrastructure fiasco. We firmly deplore the orchestrated and systemic graft and corruption in the country’s public works.
People’s taxes must be used to deliver and strengthen essential social services such as education, health, social protection, and housing and to build infrastructure that protects communities from hazards and disasters. Public funds should serve the Filipino people as rights holders towards the common good, not the interests of a privileged few.
As an educational institution with a mandate to democratize access to education through Open and Distance e-Learning, we intend to develop ethically upright and competent professionals who contribute positively and extensively towards societal development; thus, we believe that addressing inept systems and procedures are necessary. Reforms, particularly the digitalization and the professionalization of the Philippine Public Procurement process must also be pursued.
We will strive to promote accountability and protect the integrity of procurement in the university, ensuring that people’s taxes are properly spent. We also commit resources to open government partnerships that focus on relevant and responsive research, public service, community engagement, and instruction programs. These include initiatives on professional ethics, digital transformation in public procurement, digital literacy, and certification programs offered through MOOCs and micro-credentials that strengthen accountability and procurement integrity.
We call for genuine accountability and open governance from our duty bearers. They must ensure that all those responsible for these issues are held accountable. As a university of and for the people, we will remain vigilant and engaged towards accountability and open governance.
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