MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Nov. 3 to 9 of every year as “Philippine Criminology Week” in recognition of the criminology profession’s role in maintaining national security.
Under Proclamation 397 inked by Marcos on Nov. 7, the Professional Regulatory Board of Criminology, under the Professional Regulation Commission, is designated to lead the observance of the Philippine Criminology Profession Week and identify the programs, projects, and activities for its annual celebration.
“It is imperative to recognize the role of the criminology profession in the maintenance of national security, and to honor Filipino Criminologists who have remained committed to the exercise of their profession while contributing immensely to the development of our nation, especially in the sectors of public safety and peace and order,” the proclamation read.
All other national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are directed to participate and provide support and assistance to the Professional Regulatory Board of Criminology to ensure the successful observance of the Philippine Criminology Profession Week.
All local government units, non-government organizations, and private sector are encouraged to support the yearly celebration of the Philippine Criminology Profession Week.
Section 2, Article I of Republic Act (RA) 11131 or the Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018 recognizes the importance of the criminology profession in national security, public safety, peace and order, and nation building and development.
Criminology education in the Philippines began in 1954 when the first college of criminology or educational institution for scientific crime was founded.
The practice of criminology in the Philippines was professionalized in 1972, with the creation of the Board of Examiners for Criminologists (BEC) under RA 6506.
On Nov. 8, 2018, RA 11131 was enacted and replaced the BEC with the Professional Regulatory Board of Criminology, providing it with expanded mandates and integrating all criminologists into one national organization.
A copy of Proclamation 397 was made public on Friday. (PNA)
