SU CMC, Rappler hold anti-corruption roadshow, town hall in Dumaguete
Timed with CMC’s 60th anniversary, the roadshow aimed to equip citizens with the skills and knowledge to serve as watchdogs against the abuse of public funds.
The initiative combined hands-on workshops and a town hall-style public forum that brought together journalists, public officials, civil society leaders, students, and members of the community.
In her welcome remarks during the February 5 forum, SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann underscored the importance of active citizenship in sustaining democracy.
“At its heart, this roadshow reminds us that democracy does not rest only on institutions or elections, but on people—ordinary citizens who choose to be informed, vigilant, and engaged,” McCann said.
She emphasized that public accountability and good governance are lived out in communities—in how resources are used, decisions are made, and truth is protected—especially in an age marked by disinformation and shrinking civic spaces.
McCann also affirmed that the values promoted by the roadshow align with the vision, mission, and goals of SU.
Rappler Head of Community Pia Ranada, who delivered remarks and moderated the second panel of the forum, explained that the roadshow is part of Rappler’s annual nationwide initiative to promote impactful storytelling, fact-checking, and civic engagement.
“This year, the theme of our road show is fighting corruption and pushing for good governance,” Ranada said, noting that the 2028 elections are approaching and that advocacy for transparency must begin early.
During the three-day workshop prior to the forum, Rappler trained selected Dumaguete participants—called “movers”—on how to analyze public documents, trace paper trails, conduct interviews, handle sources, and produce stories, including through digital platforms such as TikTok.
Ranada described the training as a “two-way street,” as Rappler staff also learned about local concerns ranging from environmental issues and infrastructure to traffic and governance challenges.
The February 5 forum featured two panel discussions. The first panel, titled “Assessing the City’s Path to Transparency and Accountability,” was moderated by Samantha Bagayas, head of Rappler’s Civic Engagement. Panelists included Engr. Greg Uymatiao Jr., chairperson of the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation; Msgr. Christian Durango, Vicar General of the Diocese of Dumaguete; and Shamah Bulangis, co-founder of the Visayas LBQ Network and Girls Congress. The discussion tackled governance in business and development, the Church’s role in promoting integrity, and concerns about gender-based violence and power imbalances in the community.
The second panel, “Strengthening Dumaguete City vs Corruption,” was moderated by Ranada and featured Dr. Karl James Villarmea, SU faculty member and co-convener of Singgit Katilingban, and Dumaguete City Councilor Hon. Renz Macion.
The panel highlighted initiatives such as the city’s One Stop Business Shop, which reduced business permit processing time from three to five days to one day, and the pending Freedom of Information ordinance aimed at enhancing transparency. The panelists also pointed to challenges including red tape, limited transparency in budget deliberations, and the need for stronger open data systems and greater youth participation.
Open and free to the public, the forum served as a listening session designed to surface governance issues that matter most to Dumagueteños. Rappler also encouraged citizens to share tips through its digital platforms as part of its broader anti-corruption crowdsourcing efforts.
As CMC marks six decades of storytelling and engagement, the roadshow reflects its continuing commitment to truth-telling, civic responsibility, and community partnership.
