By: Keziah Nicole Fernandez
On April 20, 2026, pride and accomplishment filled the UC Theater as the outgoing Criminology Interns of Class Sanghaya Maharlika and Forensic Science Interns of Class Kasiglat Dayarap gathered for their culminating activity—marking the final chapter of their practicum journey before graduation.
Intern Pokais receiving his Certificate of Completion
The event celebrated the interns’ academic achievement and paid tribute to the people who stood behind them each step of the way. Parents and guardians were present during the event, witnessing the fruits of years of dedication and sacrifice. Alongside them were law enforcement officers from various agencies. These were the mentors who had guided the interns through the realities of fieldwork, shaping their skills beyond the classroom.
Partner Agencies who supported the Interns during their Practicum
During the program, the interns’ completion of the practicum program was celebrated. Certificates were formally conferred by the College Dean, the Criminology Practicum Advisers, and the Guest of Honor and Speaker, PCOL Ledon D. Monte, a proud alumnus of the University of the Cordilleras. Each name called and each certificate received symbolized completion and readiness to take on the responsibilities of the profession.
PCOL Ledon D. Monte giving his Message for the Outgoing Interns
In his message, PCOL Monte spoke with both authority and familiarity, emphasizing the prestige of the University’s Criminology program. He gestured toward his fellow officers in attendance, many of whom shared the same academic roots, illustrating the institution’s strong presence in the field of law enforcement. Among those he recognized was PCOL Ruben B. Lacuesta, Regional Chief of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–Cordillera Administrative Region (RHPU-CAR), and notably the University’s first topnotcher in the Criminology licensure examination. His achievement stands as a testament to the University’s enduring standard of excellence and its competitive edge among criminology schools nationwide.
PCOL Monde with the College Dean
After the ceremony, the event became a space for reflection. In a brief dialogue with partner agencies, the College Dean highlighted the importance of bridging academic knowledge with practical industry experience. In an era where crime continues to evolve in complexity, he stressed that collaboration between the academe and law enforcement institutions remains essential in crafting responsive and effective solutions.
The culminating event of the Criminology and Forensic Science Interns achieve different UN SDGs. Particularly, it aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) since the event focuses on developing future law enforcement and forensic professionals. It also achieves SDG 4 (Quality Education), through celebrating the interns’ academic achievement and culmination of their practicum. Finally, it strongly aligns with SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) as it not only served as a culminating activity, but a venue to bridge academic knowledge with practical industry experience.
