Criminology Program Approved for BSU-Buguias; Enrolment Still On-going

This year, the Philippines suffers a heightened corruption rate in comparison to 2016. The country is also home to over a million cases of COVID-19. Because of this, more professionals in criminal justice are in demand for the alleviation of corruption rates and for the enforcement of the health protocols. And one helpful way to reinforce that is to produce more quality criminology graduates. After all, if not them, then who will protect the people?

After several years of persistent requests, Benguet State University (BSU) in the campus of Buguias has finally been given its long-awaited Criminology degree program in which one of its missions is to produce intergenerational social justice advocates and protectors of the public. This program has been one of the flagships of the BSU President, Felipe Salaing Comila, during the elections and was later approved by the BSU Board of Regents on July 16. Immediately thereafter Dr. Virgilio C. Ablaza was instructed by the President to implement the program.

The program was officially offered to the public on July 26 for admission and enrolment and is still open until August 14.This degree program also aims to provide quality education to the less fortunate majority willing to learn and earn a degree, especially in the municipality of Buguias and nearby municipalities.

It is expected that after completing the course, graduates should be able to ensure public safety, prevent crimes, and contribute to criminological researches on the criminal justice system as a whole, all while exhibiting utmost integrity, respect, bravery, leadership, and accountability.

Importance of Criminology

Virgilio Ablaza, an assigned criminology professor at BSU-Buguias, emphasizes the vitality of Criminology in the lives of incoming college students.

“Becoming a criminologist offers various opportunities to graduates. At present, law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) appoint many criminologists yearly. The employment opportunities are huge. Their salaries are also promising, as well as their benefits. The salary can support a decent family.”

He also added, “The offering of criminology—especially in Buguias—provides opportunities to those who want to earn a degree but don’t have the means to do so in the cities. So, these programs provide hope for the young people to fulfill their dreams. We bring quality education right at their doorsteps.”

No Pain, No Gain

“However, the criminology program in Buguias is not for everyone,” he said. “We offer these programs to students that are willing to learn and earn a college degree without worrying about expenses. That is why they should prove that they are deserving of an opportunity not given to everybody.”

"The will and the drive to study and gain a college degree are two of the most important elements in earning it. One must put their efforts and make sacrifices in order to claim it. So make your dreams your motivation in earning a degree." -Virgilio C. Ablaza

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What to Expect

The mode for learning will be modular. There will also be evaluations done on students yearly. Joining illegal organizations, commission of heinous crimes, and use of drugs will be the bases of outright dismissal from the school.

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