After more than two years since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to remain home, Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) held its graduation ceremonies in person once again at the Philippine International Convention Center. This was the school’s first face-to face event for students since the aforementioned lockdown, and the 63rd overall Commencement Exercises for the College community.

As a grand event, this also served as a combined graduation ceremony for the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022. Although the previous batches have already cleared their academic requirements, and most have already been employed since, a good number still took the time to come back and celebrate this momentous occasion.

Delivering her inspirational message to the three batches, PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei Bautista thanked them together with their parents for being part of the Batang 641 community until the end of their academic journey. Pres. Bautista also reminded them that they carry the name of the school from this moment forward. 

Further motivating the students to dream big was commencement speaker Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. Himself an alumnus of PCCR (MA Criminology 1997), Gov. Ebdane discussed with the students that difficult times may also lead them to where they should be. Without those difficulties, he believes he probably would not have been Chief of the Philippine National Police, or even Governor of Zambales.

For the part of the students, Cum Laude Graduate of Class of 2022 John Denver Cuyno delivered the Valedictory Address. Cuyno talked about how initial impressions do not define one’s potential. He further inspired his batchmates to be the best they can be despite what others think. Quoting British Businessman and Journalist Walter Bagehot, he urged the three classes to do what people say they are not capable of doing.

To cap off the grand tri-class graduation ceremonies, former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez led the classes in singing their chosen graduation song, “Liwanag sa Dilim”.

In the afternoon, the High School Department held their 5th Graduation Ceremonies, though this was the first time back to face-to-face sessions since the pandemic started. As the Commencement Speaker for the High School, PCCR Alumnus and Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team Chief Police Lt.Col. Rosalino Ibay, Jr. inspired the graduates with his own story of success.

Both the College and High School graduating classes wore the ceremonial sablay for the first time. The Sablay, as designed by weavers from the Mountain Province, bore the initials of the school in the traditional Baybayin font.