MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) marked its 71st Founding Anniversary with a vibrant series of events from February 10 to 16, 2025, highlighting its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. With the theme “71 Years of Transforming Futures and Inspiring Innovation,” the week-long celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners from various sectors for a dynamic mix of academic, athletic, cultural, and outreach activities.
A Grand Start to the Celebration
The festivities began with a Grand Parade and Kick-Off Ceremony at the PCCR campus, where students, employees, and alumni were joined by representatives from PCCR’s partner institutions from government law enforcement agencies and private organizations. PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei G. Bautista welcomed the attendees, reflecting PCCR’s 71-year journey of producing skilled professionals in law enforcement and public safety. She emphasized PCCR’s pioneering role in criminology education and its ongoing commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of the field through innovation in research, training, and community engagement.
The PCCR ROTC Unit rendered arrival honors for the President, while performances by the Lakas Dance Troupe and PCCR Chorale and Band entertained the crowd with musical and dance numbers. The festive atmosphere continued in the JFAB Building lobby, where various student clubs and organizations set up booths to promote their initiatives and engage with students in interactive activities.
One of the most anticipated traditions of PCCR’s foundation anniversary celebrations, the Tug-of-War competition, gathered students from different college sections faced off in a spirited test of strength and teamwork, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. Later in the afternoon, the PCCR Chorale and Band headlined the Concert at the Parking Lot, entertaining the crowd that resonated throughout the campus.
Academic Excellence and Professional Development
The founding anniversary week continued with a series of academic events, beginning with a research colloquium. This platform allowed students, faculty, and graduate researchers to present their studies on pressing issues in criminology, forensic science, and public safety. These discussions served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and highlighted the role of research in shaping the future of law enforcement and criminal justice education.
Competitions throughout the week put students’ skills to the test. The Debate Competition became a battleground of ideas as participants tackled key criminology and law enforcement issues, applying both legal knowledge and strategic reasoning. In the Brain Feud Quiz Bee, students engaged in a high-energy and fast-paced contest inspired by various quiz show formats, testing their understanding of criminology concepts.
Practical skills were also put to the test in investigative competitions. The annual Mock CSI Competition challenged students to apply crime scene analysis techniques, focusing on evidence collection, forensic documentation, and case-solving strategies. Meanwhile, the Crime Scene Simulation Competition provided an immersive training environment where participants used their mobile gaming devices in solving crime scenarios with precision, reinforcing their ability to assess and process real-world forensic cases.
PCCR also extended its reach beyond the Philippines through international webinars. Dr. Melchor C. De Guzman from Georgia Gwinnett College (USA) shared innovative law enforcement strategies, while Dr. Ramasubbu Thilagaraj from the University of Madras (India) offered valuable insights on youth rehabilitation and crime prevention. These sessions provided global perspectives on modern policing and criminal justice systems.
Sports, Culture, and Entertainment
The 71st Founding Anniversary also served as a showcase of athleticism, creativity, and student talent. Throughout the week, the campus buzzed with intramural games, talent competitions, and e-sports tournaments, where students exhibited both skill and school spirit.
On the basketball court, high school and college teams faced off in a high-energy tournament, displaying strategic play and teamwork in every match.
The basketball tournament saw high-energy matchups between high school and college teams, demonstrating strategic play and teamwork. In the Mister and Miss PCCR 2025 competition, Prince Rhobi Milan and Mhariz JR Enriquez were crowned as the year’s titleholders, with runners-up Mark Henry Mamangon, Mikylla Anne Castillo, Marvic Corpuz, Julianne Angela Tinao, Skeith Lemky Manalo, and Stefanie Mae San Agustin also recognized for their charisma, stage presence, and confidence.
The Musikapalooza concert, a key highlight of the student experience festivities, brought together students for a day of live performances. The event featured a mix of talent competitions, including Talentadong Batang 41, Rap Songwriting Contest, and Battle of the Bands. Performances by PCCR alumni CJ Cabahug, Super Ace, Michael Sena, and Mark B., alongside the PCCR Pop Band and JFAB Song Champions Erika De Guzman and Emmanuel Tura, as well as PCCR employees Miss Jeanne Vicars, Prof. Arian Berja, and Prof. Joan Cinco, helped solidify a sense of unity within the PCCR community, celebrating the diverse talents of its students.
Strengthening Community Engagement Through Service
Beyond the academic and cultural festivities, PCCR also reinforced its commitment to public service and social responsibility through a series of outreach programs aimed at making a meaningful impact on the community.
The Dugong PCCR Bloodletting Drive saw students, alumni, and employees come together to donate blood for lifesaving medical efforts. The HIV Awareness Campaign promoted disease prevention and early detection through educational and testing sessions, while the Community Clean-Up Drive in Barangay 810, Zone 88, Paco, Manila, demonstrated PCCR’s dedication to environmental stewardship and civic duty.
A special screening of “Delikado,” an award-winning documentary that exposes the struggles of environmental defenders against corruption and illegal activities in Palawan, was held. More than just a film, it served as a powerful call to action, reinforcing the values of justice, integrity, and courage that define the criminology profession.
A Symbolic Conclusion
The anniversary celebrations culminated with the Testimonial Parade and Review at the Cuartel De Santa Lucia on February 16, 2025. Led by the PCCR ROTC Unit Corps of Cadets, a Testimonial Pass in Review and Arrival of Honor Ceremony paid tribute to PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei G. Bautista, recognizing her leadership and contributions to PCCR. The day also featured demonstrations of Squad Unit Tactics (SUT) and Tactical Combat Casualty Care drills.
A special highlight was the formal welcome of first-year students into the PCCR community during the Paghirang Ceremony of Batch Salin-Lahi, Class of 2028. This event symbolized their inauguration to the PCCR community.
Looking Ahead
PCCR’s 71st Founding Anniversary reflected its enduring commitment to transforming futures and inspiring innovation in criminology and criminal justice education. As the institution moves forward, it continues to shape ethical, highly skilled, and forward-thinking professionals who will play a vital role in advancing law enforcement, forensic science, and public safety. With a legacy built on excellence and a vision geared toward progress, PCCR remains steadfast in its mission to equip future leaders with the knowledge and expertise needed to address emerging challenges in national and global security