The College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) held the first phase of the Criminology Internship Program which included professional development training, silent drill competition and Interns’ Night on July 7 and 8 respectively. It was participated by 109 criminology interns together with Dr. Mylene C. Eublera, CCJE dean, and Miss Angelica Tan, Joseph Omar Pando, Jasper Lagasca, and Marvin Sermonia, Jr.,  faculty members of the said college. 

The first day of the program focused on the professional career talk in which respected speakers from the academe and tri-bureau were invited to share their expertise in their respective fields. The training started with the talk about communication skills enhancement where Mr. Marvin C. Sermonia, Jr., gave relevant tips and helpful practices in acing a panel interview. It was followed by a discussion about values formation where Pcpl Mandoleo Lopez emphasized the need for more dedicated and values-oriented law enforcers. The morning session ended with team building activities facilitated by Miss Angelica Tan.

In the afternoon, career talks were held in which PLTCOL Quintin T. Casabar Jr., Force Commander of 2nd PMFC, Tayug Pangasinan, SFO4 Rommel A. Bassig, and SJO4 Aurea M. Landar shared relevant information in joining the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) respectively. Then, the much-awaited reception rites of the interns which was facilitated by the officers of the tri-bureau concluded the first day. This was held on the university grounds where different exercises and drills were performed.

According to Dr. Eublera, this professional development training was designed in order to mold the interns holistically. “As soon-to-be graduates of PUNP-Tayug, the students must be able to be fully equipped with essential knowledge, skills, and values which prepare them for their chosen profession”, she added. 

On the second day of the program, different companies such as the Alpha Masigasig Company, Golf and India  Companies, Alpha and Bravo Companies, Foxtrot and Hotel Companies, and Charlie, Delta, and Echo Companies showcased their synchronized movements, skillful exhibitions, and amusing dance steps during the silent drill competition held on the university grounds. This was followed by the turn over of the key of responsibility of the Masigasig class to the Maalab class. 

After a careful evaluation of their performances, the judges FO1 Benjie Mercado, FO2 Van Wlson Novida, and Pat. Mayflor Wisco, alumni of the CCJE, PUNP-Tayug determined the winner, which is the Foxtrot.  “Given the fact that you [interns] were only given limited time for the preparation, what you have shown was indeed commendable,” said by Pat. Mayflor Wisco to the winners. On the other hand, FO2 Van Wilson Novida advised the silent drillers to just relax when conducting the drills and FO1 Benjie Mercado added that they must have given their best especially in the part where they danced. 

The evening of the second day is the Interns’ Night where socialization, testimonial, talent competition, and awarding were held. Before the start of the program, a dinner was prepared by the Catering services led by Mr.Higino Villar III. Then, the newly registered criminologists, Miss Laarnie Hernandez, Miss Mary Grace Hernandez, and Miss Daisy Padilla, told their unforgettable experiences when they took the board exam in hope to inspire the soon-to-be registered criminologists. Further, the program became more interesting when the different companies showcased their dancing skills during the talent competition in which the Gulf Company was awarded as the winner. 

Selected interns from the different companies also ramped their dress and suit and vied to get the Best Dress/Suit Award. “All of them deserved to win, but just like in any other competition, only the best wins,” Mr. Pando said. At the end, Mr. Ashwin John Serios and Miss Regie Callores were awarded as winners. 

Another exciting part of the Interns’ Night was the awarding where Mr. Emerson O. Estaban and Noren O. Oblero were given the Dean’s Choice Award. On the other hand, Mr. Mark Christian B. Salvador was awarded as the Snappiest Criminology Intern, Mr. John Russell V. Rosete as the Most Responsible Team Leader, Nhica F. Seridio as the Role Model Student, Mr. Charles Bryan Mingua as the Most Transformed Student, Ms. Trisha Marie P. Omo as the Strong Woman during the Reception Rites, and Ms. Jenelyn A. Parilla as the most Diligent Student. Several interns were also awarded as the Most Diligent Students such as Mary Jane M. Caliag, Kevin T. Gabad, and  Lester Jade B. Malinab. Lastly, Dana Nicole O. Benigno and Rea Clemente were awarded as the Most Active Alumna. 

In addition, a simple yet symbolic token which is a pencil with an attached text that reads ‘I survived the reception rites’ was given to all interns who were able to finish the reception rites. Dr. Eublera explained that these pencils were blessed with prayers and that they can use them when they will take the board examination. 

Certificates were also given to the hosts of the entire program, Mr. Mhark Japerson C. Sermonia, Ms. Monica C. Seriosa, Rose Ann C. Jasmin, BSCrim 2, and Mr. Lance Allen Dairo, BSCrim 1A. 

Mr. Robert Dela Cruz, a criminology intern said in an interview “the internship program motivated me to finish my study and pursue my dream profession. It also gave me a glimpse of what I will experience in the field. Moreover, Noren Oblero, another intern said ‘I learned a lot during the program. It was very helpful especially that we will be deployed to different law enforcement agencies soon as part of our internship.’ 

The entire program is indeed a success and there are even more exciting programs that the college will be holding soon. ‘It was just the first phase of the internship program, there are still a lot of activities to be expected,’ Dr. Eublera said. This program is part of our commitment to achieve our college vision which is to produce top-caliber, well-rounded, and future-ready professionals,’ she added.