MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) honored its Class of 2024 through a series of commencement exercises, celebrating the achievements of graduates from the College of Criminal Justice, High School, and Graduate School. Held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall and the Manila Hotel Centennial Hall, the ceremonies gathered faculty, families, and industry leaders to witness the next generation of law enforcers, security experts, and public servants take their first steps into the professional world.
Each event featured distinguished keynote speakers from law enforcement, intelligence, and government, highlighting the values of justice, integrity, and service that define PCCR’s legacy.
Forging the Future of Criminal Justice
The 65th Commencement Exercises of the College of Criminal Justice took place on August 3, 2024, at the PICC Plenary Hall, with Atty. Jaime B. Santiago, Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), as the keynote speaker. Addressing the graduates, Santiago emphasized their responsibility in upholding ethical leadership and fairness in law enforcement.
“You are stepping into a profession that demands not just skill, but character. Your duty is to enforce the law with integrity and ensure that justice is served fairly,” he told the graduates.
Following his address, degrees were conferred, and graduates took an oath to uphold PCCR’s core values of passion, integrity, and excellence — a pledge that now guides them as they enter the field.
NBI Director Atty. Jaime Santiago (B.S. Criminology 1988) is the guest of honor at the PCCR College of Criminal Justice’s 65th Commencement Exercises.
The 65th PCCR College of Criminal Justice Commencement Exercises
Left: The inspirational speech was delivered by the B.S. Criminology Class of 2024 valedictorian, Sophia Kyla Vibar; Right: PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei Bautista congratulates the members of the PCCR College of Criminal Justice Class of 2024.
The Class of 2024 celebrates their achievement.
High School Graduates Ready for a Strong Future of the Philippines
Later that day, PCCR’s seventh batch of Senior High School graduates took center stage for their commencement ceremony at the PICC Plenary Hall, with Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, a PCCR B.S. Criminology alumnus from Batch 1998, delivering the keynote speech.
Encouraging the graduates to embrace continuous learning, Nieto underscored the importance of education in overcoming life’s challenges.
“Ang iyong diploma ay hindi lang isang piraso ng papel — ito ay sagisag ng iyong katatagan. Ipagpatuloy mo ang iyong pagsisikap, maging sa mas mataas na edukasyon o sa landas na iyong pipiliin, at tandaan na ang tiyaga at determinasyon ang susi sa tagumpay ng kabataang Pilipino para sa matatag na kinabukasan.” (“Your diploma is not just a piece of paper—it is a symbol of your resilience. Keep striving, whether in higher education or the path you choose, and remember that perseverance and determination are the keys to success for the Filipino youth in building a strong future.”), Vice Mayor Nieto said.
Cheers and applause filled the hall as the graduates received their diplomas, marking the beginning of their academic and career journeys.
Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto (B.S. Criminology 1998) is the guest of honor at PCCR Senior High School’s 7th Commencement Exercises.
Left: The inspirational speech was delivered by the Senior High School Class of 2024 valedictorian, Jhon Tyron Sardeña; Right: The graduating members of the PCCR Serpent Eagles Streetdance Troupe lead the dance performance of their graduation song, “Karera” by Bini.
The 7th PCCR Senior High School Commencement Exercises
Graduate School Ceremony Celebrates Leaders in Criminology
The Graduate School Commencement Exercises took place on September 29, 2024, at the Manila Hotel Centennial Hall, recognizing professionals who completed master’s and doctorate degrees in criminology and criminal justice. Many of the graduates hold leadership positions in law enforcement, government, and academia, reflecting PCCR’s commitment to developing experts in security and public safety.
Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Ricardo F. De Leon, Director General of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), highlighted the role of intelligence and law enforcement in national security.
“Leadership is not about power — it is about service, vision, and responsibility. As the landscape of security and justice evolves, it is up to professionals like you to lead with wisdom and purpose,” De Leon said.
The event reaffirmed PCCR’s dedication to academic excellence and professional advancement, equipping graduates with the tools to shape policies, drive reforms, and lead critical sectors in public safety.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director General Dr. Ricardo de Leon is the guest of honor at PCCR Graduate School’s 70th Commencement Exercises.
Left: PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei Bautista congratulates the members of the PCCR Graduate School Class of 2024; Right: The inspirational speeches were delivered by the Graduate School Class of 2024 valedictorians Kareen Cagasan (M.S. Criminal Justice) and Ana Carmela Espenocilla (Ph.D. Criminology)
Left: Dr. Jezreel Vicente (Ph.D. Criminology ’10) of PCCR Graduate School, Dr. Warren Corpuz of the Professional Regulation Commission (Ph.D. Criminology ’22), Atty. Ramil Gabao of the Professional Regulation Commission (B.S. Criminology ’93, M.A. Criminology ’08, Ph.D. Criminology ’11), PCCR President Ms. Ma. Angelica Lei Bautista, Dr. Ricardo de Leon of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome (Ph.D. Criminology ’09), and Dr. Gerry Caño (Ph.D. Criminology ’09) of the Asian Criminological Society; Right: The 60th PCCR Graduate School Commencement Exercises.
A Legacy of Excellence Continues
The 2024 Commencement Exercises capped off years of perseverance and growth, reinforcing PCCR’s mission of producing highly skilled, ethical, and service-driven professionals.
With seven decades of producing professionals in criminology and law enforcement, PCCR sends off the Class of 2024, trusting that they will uphold its legacy and contribute to the advancement of justice and criminal justice.