By By Juliane Judilla
ILOILO CITY — The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), the broadest alliance of student councils and governments in the country, has officially revived its Panay chapter as student leaders unite in a renewed campaign against corruption and government neglect of education.
The revival coincides with preparations for the upcoming National Students’ Day (NSD), highlighted by a mass “Walkathon Against Corruption” that will bring together students from across Panay Island. The walkathon will begin simultaneously at West Visayas State University (WVSU) and UP Visayas City Campus, culminating at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on November 17, 2025.
“We, student leaders from different universities and colleges, stand united against corruption and all forms of injustice that hinder genuine development,” NUSP Panay declared in its statement.
“As student leaders, we uphold the principles of dignity, accountability, and transparency. Corruption, greed, and self-interest have no place in true leadership and public service,” they added.
The group criticized the underfunding of the education sector amid persistent reports of misuse of public funds, citing yearly budget cuts to all education agencies namely the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and State Universities and Colleges.
“It is infuriating that while students continue to suffer from overcrowded classrooms, poor facilities, and the lack of learning materials, corrupt politicians plunder public funds to maintain their extravagant lifestyles,” the statement read.
Citing local examples, the group pointed to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) external campus in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, where students reportedly endure makeshift classrooms due to the absence of sufficient infrastructure funding. At the WVSU Main Campus in Iloilo City, College of Business and Management (CBM) students continue to hold classes in deteriorating buildings that are prone to flooding during storms.
According to NUSP Panay, aside from insufficient classrooms and facilities, budget cuts have also forced many SUCs to limit admissions. In the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2025, only 17,996 out of 135,236 applicants were accepted. Similarly, in the WVSU College Admission Test (WVSUCAT) 2025, only around 1,300 to 1,500 out of 10,000 applicants secured slots.
The 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) also reflects the disparity between proposed and approved budgets for education, the group said. Citing, proposed budgets of various SUCs in Western Visayas contrary to the actual budget allocated. In WVSU, ₱5.23 billion was proposed but only ₱2.32 billion was allocated; University of Antique proposed ₱1.30 billion, receiving only ₱759 million; Northern Iloilo State University requested ₱1.45 billion, but got ₱803 million; and The University of the Philippines System, which also funds the Philippine General Hospital, saw its budget cut from ₱46.85 billion to ₱25.82 billion.
NUSP Panay contrasted these cuts with the ₱118 billion reportedly funneled into “anomalous flood control projects” — which the group described as “corruption in plain sight.”
The student alliance decried the government’s “continued neglect” of its duty to ensure accessible and quality education, calling it a “failure to prioritize the youth and the people.”
“As students, we have always been taught that honesty is the best policy,” the group said.
“We demand that the stolen funds be returned to the education sector—to our students, teachers, and universities who need and deserve them most,” NUSP Panay added.
NUSP Panay urged students and youth organizations to join the Walkathon Against Corruption on November 17 at 1 p.m., marching from WVSU and UP Visayas City Campus to the Provincial Capitol.
“We will stand firm, speak out, and take collective action for accountability and genuine reform. Let us flood the streets with our united demand for accountability, transparency, and greater budget for education,” the group declared./PT
