On 09 July 2016, the Our Lady of Fatima University’s College of Criminal Justice (OLFU-CCJ) held its First Academe-Industry/ Agency Dialogue in line with the University’s program on Academe-Industry Linkages and Pathways (AILP).
Held at the Dolcelatte Café and Gourmet Bakeshop in Quezon City, CCJ Dean Zorobabel Laureles said that the purpose of the event was to exchange inputs with the industry/ agency partners who were present at the affair. At the core of the discussion was what would help improve OLFU’s educational system, specifically in the areas of curriculum enhancement, faculty & research development, internship/ OJT programs, as well as the provision of employment opportunities for the university’s Criminology graduates.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Heracleo Lagrada reinforced Dean Laureles’ message by elaborating about the AILP program, and its role in improving the students’ employability by infusing them with industry/ agency-standard training and learning that will make them highly competitive, capable and skilled.
The same day was most opportune for the introduction of the members of the Advisory Board (Ad-Board). The Honorable Ramil Gabao, PRC Chair, Board of Criminology and CHED Technical Panel for the Criminal Justice Program, conducted the oath-taking, after which he spoke on the history of the criminology program in the Philippines, and the issues affecting it in the present day. In return, the Ad-Board members gave a brief profile of their respective organizations, and insights on the discussions that had transpired during the day.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
| NAME | ORGANIZATION | AD-BOARD ROLE |
| P/SSUPT Adelio Benjamin Garcia-Castillo | Chief, School for Investigation and Detective Development, DIDM, PNP | Chairman |
| Mr. Pacifico B. Talplacido Jr. | Chief, Public Affairs Office, PPSC | Vice Chairman |
| Atty. Auralyn L. Pascual | Chief, Training Division, National Bureau of Investigation | |
| P/SSUPT Audie A. Villacin | Chief of Police, Valenzuela City | Member |
| Dr. Janette S. Padua | Assistant Regional Director/Special Assistant to the Administrator, Parole and Probation Administration |
Member |
| F/SUPT Renato B. Marcial | Chief, Public Information Service, BFP | Member |
| P/SUPT Roderick D. Mariano | Director, National Capital Region Training Center, NPTI, PPSC |
Member |
An open dialogue followed with CCJ’s Dr. John B. David as moderator. Marked by a lively exchange of ideas, F/Supt. Marcial highlighted that Criminology graduates find it difficult to express their thoughts in English during interviews. On the other hand, Alumna PO1 John Mark Maiztegui raised the possibility of including ROTC in the curriculum in place of NSTP, because it has been observed that there is a knowledge gap on military commands during the training phase.
Also at the forum, Atty. Pascual, Dr. Padua and P/Supt Mariano offered that their respective agencies are able and willing to accommodate OLFU On-the-Job Trainees (OJT’s); while P/SSupt. Castillo suggested that new topics on criminal investigation must be integrated into the current curriculum to catch up with rapid technological developments. Then, Mr. Talplacido emphasized the mission of an educational institution to mould the character, behaviour and attitude of its students, alongside the development of their personal and technical competencies. He added that CCJ should also forge relationships with other law enforcement agencies such PDEA, the Coast Guard, BUCOR, the Bureau of Immigration, and more. In response, the evening’s guest of honor, Atty. Gabao, expressed his thoughts, and clarified some points raised by the Ad-Board members and site supervisors.
After the dialogue, the Ad-Board members elected their Chairman and Vice-Chairman (please see table above). It was then agreed that, in the next meeting, each Ad-Board member would share their respective recommendations to CCJ after first reviewing the college’s curriculum and other matters of mutual interest.
The program concluded with a video presentation and the OLFU Hymn, followed by dinner and fellowship.
