More than 500 Isabela State University (ISU) students from the Echague campus joined the “Campus Walkout” movement on September 26 to express their condemnation of ongoing corruption in the country.

Unfazed by typhoon Opong’s heavy rains, the youth carried their handmade placards and marched inside the campus before heading out of the university where they held a one-hour program about corruption and accountability of those culpable. Teachers, university alumni, and councilors from Santiago City and San Isidro, Isabela participated in the action.

The Supreme Student Council (SSC) of ISU Main Campus, together with The Forum Publication and several university professors, led the activity. University head Dr. Artemio Martin also endorsed it.

ISU Student Regent Heinrich Emmanuel Galabay said they will not stop until those accountable in government are held responsible. He also encouraged fellow youth to unite and act as long as wrongdoings persist in the government system.

“We are holding this walkout because this is our role. We are the people’s scholars and we must fight for Filipinos,” Galabay explained.

Former SSC president Christopher Respicio said the walkout is a major victory not only for current students but also for university alumni who once dreamed of launching a protest on campus.

“I am glad that after many years, we are here, calling for accountability. This is the first time a protest has happened here in many years,” Respicio added.

ISU-Echague became the first state university in the whole region to launch a walkout.

Kabataan Partylist-Santiago City saluted the people’s scholars for their successful walkout. The group said the fight does not end here, as the youth will continue to stand for genuine accountability and justice.