A Catholic diocese has launched a citizen-led initiative to promote transparency and accountability in government projects across Albay province.
The announcement came during a Mass at the Legazpi Cathedral for the “Peace Ride and Rally for Change,” a province-wide call for good governance and social renewal, on Sunday, October 12.
In a pastoral statement, Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi said the Church must take an active role in fighting corruption and ensuring that public funds truly serve the people.
“Let us mobilize citizen-led initiatives that monitor and report government projects in our province to ensure that public funds serve the common good,” he said.
The “Bantay Project” will be implemented through the diocesan Commission on Social Concerns and the Social Action Center, in collaboration with local communities and civic organizations. It will monitor infrastructure and development projects, advocate for transparency, and report irregularities to authorities.
The bishop also urged local government units to publish online transparency reports detailing public works and quarry operations to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
He said the initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to journey with the people “in times of darkness and trials,” particularly those suffering from the effects of corruption, poverty, and poor governance.
“We protest the normalization of plunder of our nation’s wealth by officials who betrayed the public trust,” Baylon said. “ We journey in solidarity with ordinary citizens who bear the consequences of substandard, unfinished, and even non-existent projects.”
Beyond local action, he called for national reform, urging lawmakers to pass a set of “corruption-control laws” that would ban political dynasties, expand anti-graft measures, guarantee freedom of information, and institutionalize citizen participation in budgeting and auditing.
He also appealed to the youth to take part in the anti-corruption initiative and other reform efforts as an expression of civic responsibility.
“Participate actively in these endeavors,” he said. “By the time you take on roles of greater responsibility and leadership… create a version of our country better than what we have now.”
The Peace Ride and Rally for Change gathered clergy, parishioners, and civic groups from across Albay to promote integrity, transparency, and renewed hope for the nation.
