You are like a masterpiece of the heavens

This year we celebrate the 34th year of existence of the College. But do we really
know wholeheartedly the essence and the annals of Criminology education, do we really
know the issues and controversies the hit our profession? Please allow me to share with
you a little about profession and let us be encouraged with our profession.

The Criminology program in our Country has started in 1950, the first batch
graduated in 1954, Criminology then, was never known to many. But allow me to share
to youre the story of criminology how did it come to being. Sometime in the 12th Century,
somewhere in Europe there was a young man who was talking to a University Registrar
because he would like to have a University degree.

The boy ask the University Registrar; do you have a field of discipline that deals
about Criminals and the law they violated, the legal development and its processes; the
University Registrar replied, oh yes! We have the College of Law, there they will teach
you everything about Law and its processes. The young man replied I dont want to study
about Law. I just would like to study why a person would commit a crime and what
functions of the human body leads him to do such an act. The University Registrar replied
and said if you would like to know about the functions of the human body then the College
of Medicine is fitted for you, there they will teach you everything you would want to know
about the function of the human body. The young man replied I dont want to study
medicine, I want to know only why people would behave and commit wrongful act and
how would they determine between Right and Wrong? The University Registrar replied,
Oh, if you would like to study what is right or wrong then enroll in the College of Theology,
there they will teach you what is right and wrong. The young man said, I dont want to
study theology, I would like to know everything there is all to know about, a knowledge in
almost all aspects of life. Then the University Registrar said, if you want to study
everything you would like to know, then you better enroll in the College of Philosophy
there, they will teach you everything there is all to know about. The young man replied, I
am not interested in Philosophy. I want to study a field of disciple that talks about Law,
that talks about Medicine, that talks about Theology, that talks about Philosophy. The
University Registrar replied we dont have that field of discipline that you are looking for.

The field of Criminology has a little of almost everything, it has Law, Medicine,
Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, just to
mention a few. You may ask why is Criminology is like that? Our answer is based on the
complexities of modern society, and how convoluted human behavior is. This mixed of
several fields of discipline makes criminology only germane academic program solely
design to understand the rigors of the making of laws, the breaking of laws and the
reaction of society towards the breaking of laws which would include policing, the criminal
justice system, the victim and the rehabilitation processes of criminals.

Centuries had passed and still the Criminology discipline is making its mark in the
annals of policing, criminal justice, correctional process, forensics, crime causation and
victimology. In the ASEAN community, out of the 10 member country only the Philippines
has BS Criminology, Masters in Criminology and Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology.
Further, only in the Philippines that Criminologist are licensed by the Professional
Regulatory Commission. We are always on the leading edge. We are Generalist, We are
capable of doing many things. And you should be proud of it.

Before, there was a Chief PNP (PDG Purisima) who said that he does not want
criminologists in the PNP because they are for crime laboratory personnel only. These
issues hits back to the PNP, there is no scintilla of logic, nor an iota of reason, not even
a trivial evidence to show that criminology education is unfit and irrelevant to the policing
business. Criminology is the most and only germane course for the police service and
public safety related fields. Criminology and Criminal Justice Education in United States
of America, European Union, Australia, Canada, and other countries is also the most and
only relevant formal education and it is material in understanding crime, criminality, and
policing. Equally relevant and material in all other fields like i.e., Teaching to Education
Graduates, Lawyering to Lawyers, Medicating to Medical Doctors etc.

They say Criminologists Lack the Competence on English language. The

observation on the ability to communicate must be clarified. That English language is not
equal to communication. Problems with the English language are not tantamount to
incompetency in communication or poor communication skills. While we recognize the
value of English language, we should not forget the importance of understanding. The
pinnacle and paramount importance of communication is not English language but rather
a medium that can connect to the peoples understanding and comprehension. The
problem of English language among our police officers both in the commissioned and
non-commission ranks should not be used as leverage because attaining peace and
order knows no English language.

They say Criminology graduates are usually involved in immorality and corruption.
College courses and degrees earned by a person have no significant correlation and
corollary to its attitude, character, values, ethics, and morality. Morality and ethics can be
taught but it can never be imposed as a way of life. No amount of training in any field or
discipline can assure moral uprightness, and be true to the ethical standards set forth.
Can we really pinpoint any single course that can assure the citizenry that its graduates
will not be involved in corruption and scandalous issues once they have joined the ranks
of the Philippine National Police (PNP)? Is there a course that teaches its products how
not to be corrupt? If there is such a course, then we must be in utopia.

This years theme, Shaping Criminology Education Today and Beyond, Together
let us shape a Criminology that our future wants us to see, a Criminology that possess
the highest degree of discipline, values and ethics. A criminology that is equip with the
necessary skills and Knowledge. We are the change that we have been waiting for. Be
the change that you want to see in the future. Let our action be the audacity of hope for
the next generation. As we create this condition we are creating the tipping point of our
profession and blink it to wherever we will be.

Today is the opening day of our Criminology Days, certainly this celebration is a
moment that we all look forward to each year. With new activities and new surprises each
year, there is no doubt that we would move heaven and earth just to celebrate this exciting
event.

On a personal note, I highly encourage this kind of events in accordance to our

commitment to providing a well-balanced academic life to our dear students. Criminology
is not just about studying the process of making laws nor is it about breaking the laws and
the reaction towards it. More importantly, Criminology education also cultivates our
inherent talents and skills. Thats why, Criminology Days is a venue where we can
showcase our academic, social, and leadership skills.

Thank you and Mabuhay ang Criminology!

The road to triumph is never easy. Life gives us trials that often make us stumble
along the way. But the truth is, it is not winning that defines us. It is our ability to bounce
back through adversities that makes us who we are. It is only by losing that we appreciate
the value of winning. It is my fervent prayer that this years Criminology days will always
remind us the virtue of resiliency, which is a necessary ingredient for excellence and
sportsmanship is a tool for enjoyment and we may able to establish unity, friendship and
camaraderie among students.