MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) proudly marks its 70th Foundation Anniversary in 2024, marking seven decades of pioneering excellence in Criminal Justice education in Southeast Asia. With a year-long calendar brimming with celebratory events, PCCR commemorates its notable journey while embracing a future defined by innovation and academic distinction.
The platinum anniversary festivities began on February 11, 2024, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila with a motorcade from Balut, Tondo, followed by a walking parade featuring students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni.
The program formally opened with an interfaith ecumenical service, followed by a marching parade and review led by PCCR’s ROTC unit, alongside its 3,000-strong cadet corps, welcoming PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei G. Bautista with arrival honors.
In her address, President Bautista reflected on PCCR’s enduring legacy, tracing its roots to Supreme Court Associate Justice Felix Angelo Bautista, and reaffirmed the institution’s mission of transforming lives through passion, integrity, and excellence. She also unveiled plans to expand program offerings, incorporating technology-based learning, gamified education, and micro-credential courses in Criminology and Cybersecurity, positioning PCCR at the forefront of criminal justice education.
The celebration continued with the recognition of PCCR’s collaborative partnerships with law enforcement and private entities, namely, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Bureau of Investigation, Parole and Probation Administration, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration, Professional Regulatory Commission, and Trend Micro.
The afternoon program featured Eskwelaro games, activity booths, and performances by the PCCR Chorale and Pop Band. The batch-naming ceremony, “Paghirang,” officially named the Class of 2027 “Mandatala”—short for MANdirigmang may DAngal, TAlino, at LAkas—symbolizing honor, intellect, and strength.
Looking ahead, PCCR has lined up key events for the year, including the 2024 Mock Crime Scene Investigation, PCCRFlix Film Festival, Disarming Techniques Competition, and Mister and Miss PCCR 2024. Academic and co-academic activities such as research colloquia, debates, quiz bees, leadership training, art exhibits, photography contests, and sports festivals are also scheduled, along with community extension programs in Manila, Rizal, and Pampanga.
PCCR will also host the 15th Asian Criminology Society Annual Conference in August, and in November, it will commemorate Justice Felix Angelo Bautista Memorial Day with interactive exhibits, an alumni shoot fest, a golf tournament, and a homecoming event. The celebration will culminate with the recognition of 70 outstanding alumni and the launch of the PCCR 70th Anniversary Coffee Table Book.
As PCCR commemorates this significant milestone, it celebrates its rich legacy while embracing the transformative power of innovation. Moving forward, it remains committed to the passion, integrity, and excellence that have defined its first seven decades.