The Open University officials and faculty members participated in the National Public Orientation on the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Criminologists and the Public Consultation on the Guidelines for the Accreditation of Juridical Practice of Criminology on March 21-22, 2025, in Pasay City.

Leading the Open University delegation were Dr. Dolores Bersamina, Dean of the Open University, Dr. Wilson Tolio, Assistant Dean and Marlow Pacapac, Program Coordinator of the BS Criminology Program. Several faculty members also joined them in this significant event, which was organized by the Professional Regulatory Board of Criminology (PRB Crim) in cooperation with the Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (PCAP) and in partnership with the Philippine Criminalistics Society, Incorporated.

The orientation aimed to provide criminology educators and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the newly established Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Criminologists, ensuring adherence to ethical standards in the profession. It also served as a venue for public consultation on the proposed Guidelines for the Accreditation of Juridical Practice of Criminology, which seeks to standardize and enhance practical training for criminology students.

During the event, distinguished speakers from PRBC and PCAP discussed key ethical considerations, best practices and regulatory frameworks essential for upholding integrity within the field of criminology. Attendees were given the opportunity to raise questions, share insights and contribute to the refinement of the accreditation guidelines.

Dr. Bersamina emphasized the significance of the orientation, stating, “This event is crucial in ensuring that criminology education and practice remain aligned with professional and ethical standards. Our participation allows us to integrate these insights into our curriculum and further strengthen our academic programs.”

The Open University remains committed to advancing criminology education by continuously engaging in national and professional development activities. With these newly gained insights, the faculty aims to enhance the delivery of quality education and uphold the highest ethical standards in training future criminologists.

Article by Wilson Tolio.