The Philippines currently faces persistent challenges rooted in systemic corruption which have intensified economic and social insecurity for the Filipino people. With this backdrop, this study examines how Generation Z perceives and interprets the current socio-political climate through creative expression. Utilising a qualitative descriptive research design, the researchers engaged 75 college students enrolled in a Humanities and Art Appreciation course during the First Semester of Academic Year 2025-2026. Participants produced collages reflecting their personal perspectives, followed by written narratives; this corpus was then analysed using thematic analysis. Anchored on Nimer's theory of incremental normalisation to explain how systemic corruption becomes a standard fixture of the socio-political environment, the findings revealed five central themes: (1) a culture of “transactional politics”, where elite figures normalise corruption by buying the silence of the poor; (2) a clash between institutional disillusionment and historical idealism; participants view the Constitution as a shield for the powerful, leaving the marginalised as sacrificial lambs for propaganda; (3) the absence of safety and the presence of state intimidation to the opposition; (4) macro-economic and environmental vulnerabilities are evident, as participants connect a weakening economy and climate-driven disasters to failures in leadership; and (5) the significance of individual agency and reformative action, suggesting that solutions reside in collective Filipino efforts. The study concludes that meaningful change requires a commitment to personal responsibility, informed questioning, and a consistent demand for better leadership. Such actions are deemed essential tools for achieving the societal transformation that the Filipino people deserve.

Authors:
Blenn Nimer, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Philippines
Gil Henry Aballe, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Blenn B Nimer is currently the Director for Research, Planning, Innovation, and Development of the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Kidapawan City, Philippines.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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