Faculty members from the University of Northern Philippines–College of Criminal Justice Education (UNP-CCJE)—Dr. Arlan Reburon, Dr. Marlow Pacapac, and Dr. Edwin Cerna—actively participated in the International Knowledge Exchange (IKE) on Criminology on January 22, 2026, at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) Theater.
Organized in collaboration with Ghent University, Belgium, the event brought together criminology students, faculty, and criminal justice practitioners from UC and higher education institutions across Northern Luzon. Participants delved into contemporary criminology issues, blending cutting-edge research with real-world practice.
The morning featured inspiring lectures from Ghent University scholars. Prof. Christophe Vandeviver from the Faculty of Law and Criminology explored “Criminal Location Choice and Spatial Target Selection: Where Do Offenders Select Targets, and Why?” This was followed by Prof. Tom Vander Beken’s presentation, “What Are European and South African Prisons For? John Howard Revisited.” He highlighted prison conditions, rehabilitation successes, and the vital role of human dignity, institutional accountability, and evidence-based reforms.
The afternoon shifted to a dynamic panel discussion, “Beyond Knowledge: Pathways to Inculcating Human Rights as a Life Value.” Panelists offered practical insights on human rights education, law enforcement accountability, and embedding these principles into everyday life and public service.
This exchange is part of the Rights2Life Project, a UC-Ghent University partnership strengthening the Philippine criminal justice system through research, human rights, and rule-of-law principles. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The participation of UNP-CCJE faculty underscores the College’s commitment to advancing criminology education, research, and professional development through global collaborations and evidence-based strategies for justice reform.
