Anti-Corruption Advocate Heidi Mendoza visits Kalinga, answers students’ questions on transparency and accountability

Tabuk City, Kalinga – College student leaders from various institutions in Kalinga gathered to listen and gain insights on transparency and accountability from former Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner and anti-corruption advocate Heidi Mendoza on October 30 at the Kalinga State University–Bulanao Campus.

Mendoza, a respected figure especially among the youth, carries a long and notable record of contributions in the fight against corruption in the country. She is known for auditing and exposing several high-profile corruption cases that led to the recovery of hundreds of millions worth of assets for the government and the prosecution of erring officials—all accomplished despite threats to her and her family’s safety.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, KSU Supreme Student Council (SSC)–Bulanao President Ivan Cosidon shared that they initiated the Good Governance Forum to educate student leaders in the province on how public funds are managed, where they go, and how to audit and identify irregularities in their use—funds that come from the hard-earned money of every Filipino. He noted that the topic is timely given the recent corruption controversies in the country.

“Nakita kasi namin na napapanahon, kasi yung mga recent na corruption cases na lumabas nitong mga nakaraang buwan, kaya kami po sa SSC-Bulanao nag-initiate na magkaroon ng kahit simpleng forum,” Cosidon said.

When asked why they invited Mendoza among many possible speakers, Cosidon explained that her credentials, integrity, and achievements in fighting corruption made her the most fitting resource person to enlighten and inspire Kalinga’s young student leaders on transparency and accountability.

Mendoza, who also once served as Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (UN OIOS), delivered her talk before the participants and later entertained their questions during an open forum.