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Transparency and Reform - Is There Hope?

The Women of Ateneo (TWA) invites you to a gathering among friends, among fellow alums. On Friday March 14, 2008 at 4:00 P.M. (to 8:30 P.M.), we will gather some of our fellow Ateneans in government (past and present) to take us into their world so that we can better understand how government works, how corruption destroys and our role in all this.

TRANSPARENCY AND REFORM - IS THERE HOPE?
A Forum With Our Fellow Ateneans In Government

As Ateneans, we in TWA believe that sitting idly by merely watching the unfolding of events surrounding the present national crisis is simply not an option.

At the Ateneo, we were taught that it's not just about finding answers, but asking the questions that are out there. We hope you can join us in the Basement 1 Auditorium of the Ateneo de Manila Professional Schools (#20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City) in asking questions in hope that we all are able to critically think about the Philippines' current state of affairs and what we can do to respond.

Makialam. Makilahok. Panahon na.

"Transparency and Reform - Is there hope?"
a forum with Ateneans in government - past and present
sponsored by The Women of Ateneo (TWA) in light of the present national crisis

OBJECTIVE:
In light of the present crisis that has befallen our nation, people are asking, is there still hope?

This forum seeks to give the audience a chance to understand better the inner workings of government, the kinds of dilemma and moral questions faced by our public servants on a daily basis. It is hoped that this will give the participants - audience and guests alike - a better understanding of government work thus encouraging them to think critically about the present national situation and giving them a sense of hope that something CAN be done inspite of the ratherbleak outlook many have on our country today. At the end of the day, until we ourselves are made aware of corruption and are able to talk about it, we cannot do our own part in the fight against it.

This get-together will feature fellow Ateneans who have served in government or are still attached to the present administration as resource persons.

4:00 - 4:30 - Registration

4:30 - 4:45 - Opening Remarks and Welcoming of Guests (TWA)

4:45 - 5:00 - Ateneo School of Government Resource Speaker (brief state of corruption in the country) or Sociology Department (culture of corruption in the country)

5:00 - 6:30 - Plenary Forum Proper I

A Candid Take on Corruption: a Q&A portion where the Moderator gives the question and the panelists go one round in answering - the moderator interrupting to clarify or may take clarificatory questions from the audience

  • Is there corruption? What is your definition of corruption? When is it "ok"? Where do you draw the line?
  • Have you had first-hand experience with corruption? (get into the details - as much as can be said at least)
  • Have you ever been asked by anyone to do anything which you felt in conscience entailed you to compromise your ethics, morality?
  • What did you do?


6:30 - 7:15 - Open Forum - or Break-up into Small Discussion GroupsFocus of this is why we think corruption takes place and what we can do concretely to curb it, to battle it. We will divide the audience into groups with one resource speaker assigned to each group (so that it's not the typical forum). This way, there can be more intimate and candid discussion and interaction. One TWA member is assigned to facilitate per group.

7:15 - 8:00 - Plenary Forum Proper Part II

Soldier of Christ in Action: There is Hope!: This is a Q&A portion where the Moderator gives the question and the panelists go one round in answering - the moderator interrupting to clarify or may take clarificatory questions from the audience

  • What has being an Atenean meant to you in your work? Did it have any effect?
  • What do you advise to people who find themselves in the same situation?
  • What do you advise to people who have to deal with government officials, participate in bids, etc.?
  • Is there hope for the country or is corruption part and parcel of what we are as Filipinos?


8:00 - 8:30 - Closing Remarks: Final messages from the panelists.

8:30 - Thank you message