In a time when voices and solidarity are needed more than ever, Miriam College once again stood firm in its commitment to uphold truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation. Guided by its values and the call of the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP) to take stand against the rampant fraudulent corruption in the Philippines. Miriam College, through the Maryknoll-Miriam Identity, Spirituality, and Mission Office (MMISMO), led the Miriam College community’s participation in two important national solidarity actions, the Trillion Peso March last September 21 and the Noise Barrage, White Ribbon Tying, and wearing of white inside Miriam College campuses.
All these actions reflect Miriam College’s enduring commitment to form women leaders of service who serve truth and social transformation. Through these peaceful protests, the Miriam College as an institution shows that faith and education are inseparable realities that should guide our nation. As both act as guiding forces that lead toward truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation.
A Tradition of Speaking Truth to Power
From its founding years, Miriam College has never shied away from speaking out against injustices. From the Martial Law Era to the deadly war on drugs, Miriam College was among the academic institutions that raised its voices to stand for truth and justice. This same spirit and moral courage still continues today.
In light of the fraudulent flood control scandal which exposes the grave corruption and misuse of funds in the Philippines, Miriam College has joined others in calling for accountability and reform. For Miriam College, taking a stand against corruption is not only a civic duty but also a moral and ecological responsibility. When public funds meant for the nation’s climate resilience are misused, it is not only people who suffer, but also the environment that sustains life.
Standing with the People: The Trillion-Peso March
Last September 21, 2025, the day that marked the anniversary of the Martial Law declaration, Miriam College joined thousands of Filipinos in the Trillion-Peso March. Participated by church groups, educational institutions, civil society organizations, student organizations, labor unions, and other political coalitions, the protests call for transparency and honesty in the government as a response to the corruption in government flood control projects.
With the facilitation of MMISMO, the Miriam College community, especially its students and employees, came together to express solidarity and to take a stand against corruption. The institution’s participation was not only political but moral, rooted in Miriam College’s values to form students who embody truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation.
Photo courtesy of Bianca Huliganga (Marketing & Communications Office)
Echoes of Integrity: Noise Barrage and White Ribbons
A month after, last October 24, the Miriam College community gathered together again for the Noise Barrage and White Ribbon Tying around the campus. Organized and led by the MMISMO office, these activities continue to respond to the stand against corruption in the Philippines. These activities also affirmed that the September 21 rally was not just a one-day event, but a part of Miriam College’s continuous commitment to truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation. Participated by both students and employees from all units, it highlights how Miriam College refuses to stay silent but rather chooses to speak out with courage and faith. Moreover, the wearing of white every Friday in campus further symbolizes the commitment to act of solidarity and as a visible reminder that the pursuit of justice and accountability must persist beyond protests.
As dusk settled, Katipunan Avenue in front of Miriam College’s Gate 1 was illuminated by candles and filled with the sound of prayer as the community prayed the Rosary together. The solemn moment was followed by the Noise Barrage, where participants invited motorists and pedestrians to join them in making noise for integrity and justice. With chants like “Busina, busina, para sa korap!” Katipunan avenue came alive with the sound of car horns and voices, expressing the community’s shared call for truth and accountability.
Uniting Faith and Education
With these collective acts, Miriam College continues to live out the connection between faith and education. With each candle lit, ribbon tied, and voice raised, it reflects how the Miriam College practices what it teaches. A faith that is not confined to prayer alone and an education that extends and reaches beyond the four walls of the classroom.
In uniting faith and education, Miriam College continues to live out its core values of truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation and continues to be a light of hope in nurturing future women leaders in service.
Source: MC