Written By: Wayne Bagaoisan, Dannieca Buyayo, Jelisa Valdez | Photographed By: Jelisa Valdez
BAGUIO CITY – Interns from the University of Baguio, School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (UB-SCJPS) proudly demonstrated their intellectual depth and passion for justice during the International Knowledge Exchange on Criminology, held at the Theatre Hall of the University of the Cordilleras on January 22, 2026.
A total of 30 UB-SCJPS interns, composed of 16 Bachelor of Science in Criminology students and 14 Bachelor of Forensic Science students, participated in this prestigious international academic forum. Their active involvement throughout the day reflected the Patriot spirit of excellence, curiosity, and leadership as they engaged with global experts in criminology, human rights, and justice reform.
Morning Session: Inquiry on Prison Systems
The morning session opened with an insightful lecture by Prof. Tom Vander Beken, who examined prison systems in Europe and South Africa. His presentation emphasized the John Howard methodology, which evaluates prison conditions based on human dignity, institutional accountability, and rehabilitation outcomes. UB Criminology intern Francis Chil-ang raised a thought-provoking question on the real conditions of prisoners and jails, sparking deeper discussion on humane corrections. The topic resonated strongly with the interns, as many of them are preparing for future careers in law enforcement, corrections, and forensic investigation.
Afternoon Session: Human Rights Discourse
The energy continued in the afternoon during the panel titled “Beyond Knowledge: Pathways to Inculcating Human Rights as a Life Value.” UB-SCJPS interns once again took the lead in raising critical issues. Criminology intern Kemp Sean Andres challenged the panel by asking how utilitarian approaches can be balanced with human rights in real criminal justice settings. Forensic Science intern Dannieca Buyayo raised a timely and courageous question regarding the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court and its implications for the country’s human rights protection. Her inquiry sparked a dynamic exchange among the distinguished panelists, including PCPT Norieshiel W. Larines of the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office, Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. De Guia, Executive Director of the Commission on Human Rights, Ms. Signe Elneff Poulsen, Senior Human Rights Officer of the United Nations OHCHR, and Mr. Ray Dean D. Salvosa, Chairperson of the UC Board of Trustees.
Global Perspectives and Academic Exchange
The exchange also featured European scholars from Ghent University in Belgium, including Prof. Christophe Vandeviver, who delivered a compelling lecture on offender decision making and spatial crime patterns. His research-based discussion explored how offenders select targets and locations, giving interns a scientific lens on crime behavior. This international forum forms part of the Rights2Life Project, a collaboration between the University of the Cordilleras and Ghent University, aimed at strengthening the Philippine criminal justice system through the rule of law and the promotion of human rights.
Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The participation of UB-SCJPS interns directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 4, Quality Education, is advanced through international academic collaboration and exposure to cutting-edge criminological research that enriches learning beyond the classroom. SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, is strengthened through the emphasis on rights-based and evidence-informed criminal justice practices that prepare students to help build humane and accountable justice systems. SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, is reflected in the collaborative nature of the Rights2Life Project, which connects Philippine and European institutions in addressing global justice and human rights concerns.
Patriots for Justice
The active participation of UB-SCJPS interns reflects the school’s commitment to producing competent, ethical, and globally competitive criminal justice professionals. Their confidence in engaging with international scholars, asking critical questions, and confronting complex human rights issues shows that UB Patriots are not only academically prepared but also morally grounded and socially responsible. Through experiences like this, UB-SCJPS continues to shape future leaders who will protect human dignity, uphold justice, and serve the nation with excellence.
