‘Good governance starts with you’

"Good governance starts with you," former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza challenged her audience at Far Eastern University.  

Mendoza spoke on integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility during the latest Good Governance Forum last Feb. 12 in the FEU Main Auditorium as part of the university’s 98th founding anniversary celebrations.  

Known for her resilient efforts in upholding integrity in the government, Mendoza spoke candidly about the personal cost of upholding integrity in public service. 

“In my experience serving in government, I felt that I needed to be thick-faced, because today, doing what is right requires a thick face,” she said in Filipino as she reflected on how corruption has become normalized, making integrity the exception rather than the rule. 

Mendoza encouraged students to see their schools as microcosms of society where the principles of good governance can be practiced. She cited following school rules even without supervision, maintaining honesty during examinations, refusing to tolerate cheating or bullying, and actively participating in student government elections as everyday expressions of integrity and civic engagement. 

Mendoza also mentioned the underappreciated role of auditors and professionals in upholding good governance, challenging the audience to reflect on the purpose behind their chosen fields.  

“Why would we burn the midnight oil to become accountants only to sign fake financial statements? Why would we struggle to become engineers only to sign fake certificates of completion?” she said. 

Beyond individual conduct, Mendoza emphasized that good governance also has broader economic implications.  

“Good governance is an investment to the economy,” said Mendoza in a mix of Filipino and English, explaining that it builds confidence among both investors and the public. She also provided insight into what good governance entails beyond punishment: “When you talk of good governance, it is not just about putting people in jail. It also includes prevention, education, and the strengthening of institutions.” 

Dr. Joseph Jintalan, Senior Director of the Academic Standards Office, opened the event by highlighting its purpose as an endeavor that goes beyond theory.  

“Beyond simply discussing political concepts, this forum seeks to empower our students to reflect critically and to consider concrete, actionable steps toward promoting integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility within their own communities,” he said. Situating the forum within this year’s foundation week theme, “Brave in Diversity,” Dr. Jintalan noted that “good governance thrives in diversity—diversity of voices, perspectives, disciplines, and conditions. It requires the bravery to speak up, the courage to stand for what is right, and the humility to listen and learn from one another.” 

The forum was organized by the Student Development Office and the Academic Affairs Office.