By: Danelle Aira Solsona
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) have recently renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last September 30, 2023 at the PDEA National Office to further strengthen partnership in promoting education, training, and research in the field of criminology.
This signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was led by President Ma. Angelica Lei Bautista representing PCCR and Assistant Secretary Israel Ephraim T. Dickson for PDEA. Other prominent college officials such as Executive Vice President, Mr. Karim Bangcola; Graduate School Dean, Dr. Jezreel Vicente; College of Criminal Justice Dean, Dr. Gaypelyn Casiw; Alumni Affairs Head, Dr. Kerwin Bartolome; and Linkages and Partnership Coordinator, Mr. Christian Patron were also present to show their support.
The renewal of this MOA solidifies the commitment of both institutions to work together towards the advancement of knowledge and skills in combating crime and ensuring public safety.
Under the renewed MOA, several key initiatives have been outlined to enhance the collaboration between PDEA and PCCR:
Providing Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
PDEA offers scholarships to deserving PCCR students in criminology to support their career in law enforcement and fight against illegal drugs.
Internship and OJT Programs
PCCR students will have the opportunity to undergo internships and on-the-job training (OJT) programs at PDEA. This hands-on experience will provide them with practical knowledge and skills in the field of drug enforcement, allowing them to apply their classroom learning in real-world scenarios.
Getting Speakers from PDEA
PDEA and PCCR will collaborate to provide speakers for seminars, workshops, and conferences organized by PCCR. These speakers, who are experts in various aspects of drug enforcement, will share their knowledge and experiences with PCCR students, faculty, and staff, enriching their understanding of the subject matter.
Short Courses Focusing on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime
Recognizing the growing threat of cybercrime, PDEA and PCCR will work together in developing short courses that focus on cybersecurity and cybercrime investigation. These courses will equip students with the necessary skills to address the challenges posed by digital crimes and contribute to the development of a safer online environment.
Conduct Research and Endorsement to Put Together the Alumni Database
PDEA and PCCR will jointly conduct research projects on various aspects of criminology and drug enforcement. Additionally, PDEA will endorse the establishment of an alumni database, which will serve as a valuable resource for networking, collaboration, and professional development among PCCR graduates working in the field of law enforcement.
In conclusion, the MOA renewal between PDEA and PCCR shows their commitment to criminology education and research. Together, they aim to produce skilled professionals fighting against illegal drugs and crime, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia and law enforcement for a safer society.