Prayer Rally in Marcelo Spinola School Calls for a Philippines Free From Corruption

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY -Students, alumni, teachers, and parents gathered peacefully at Marcelo Spinola School on Sunday afternoon for a solemn, community-led prayer rally centered on a shared call for a Philippines free from corruption and for greater accountability at every level of society.

The event, simple yet deeply stirring, united different sectors of the school community in prayer and reflection. It opened with a contemplative prayer that set a reverent atmosphere, leading into short but meaningful messages from speakers representing the alumni, student body, church, and parents.

Alumni representative Josham Hamid encouraged the youth to remain hopeful, reminding them that accountability begins with personal integrity. She stressed that every honest choice, no matter how small, pushes our country one step closer to real change.

Student Government president Nathanielle Del Campo highlighted the responsibility of young people to model ethical behavior. She emphasized that students must be willing to hold themselves and future leaders to high standards of transparency and fairness.

Representing the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) in Zamboanga Sibugay, Fr. Carlito B. Gemina underscored the moral dimension of the nation’s struggle against corruption. He urged families and institutions to cultivate environments where honesty and responsibility are non-negotiable.

Parent representative Rodel Tubigon echoed this message, emphasizing the indispensable role of households in raising children with a firm sense of right and wrong. He thanked the school for taking an active role in shaping a community culture grounded in integrity and accountability.

Unlike typical protest actions, the gathering featured no chanting, placards, or loud calls for reform. Instead, participants offered prayers, and sang songs of hope. The gentle, contemplative mood reinforced the collective desire for a transformed nation grounded in truthfulness and responsible citizenship.

The rally culminated with the heartfelt singing of “Lord, Heal Our Land.” The participants formed a large human peace sign on the school grounds , a visual declaration of unity, hope, and the shared commitment to a more honest and accountable Philippines. Organizers said the event served as a reminder that national change often begins in quiet yet determined acts of conscience, and in communities willing to stand together for integrity, justice, and the country’s future.