In the heart of academic pursuit, the first-ever Criminology Week at the University of

Eastern Pangasinan was a resounding success, leaving a mark of knowledge, inspiration, and
cherished memories. With its theme, “Fostering Resilience in Criminal Justice Education:
Addressing Challenges and Cultivating Strengths” the event not only aimed to educate but also
fostered camaraderie and instilled a sense of unity among students as well as instructors. As I
embarked on this event, it became evident that learning extends beyond textbooks because it
involves socialization and exploration among peers, fostering friendly competition to test
capabilities and strengths. Thus, this sentiment resonated strongly with me throughout the three-
day Criminology Week celebration.

The Criminology Week unfolded with lots of engaging activities, insightful discussions, and
captivating presentations. Day one commenced with an uplifting opening ceremony in the Don
Ramon J. Guico Sr. Sports and Civic Center, where Dean Aldrin Tarangco led the proceedings
alongside inspirational messages from Dr. Gloria C. Nemedez and Dr. Evelyn Abalos Tomboc,
complete with a humorous criminology-related quote that elicited laughter from the audience.

The day continued with an oath-taking ceremony for all students, symbolizing unity and
commitment as teams engaged in various games and competitions. One memorable highlight
was the oath-taking ceremony, where every participant pledged their dedication to the field of
criminology. This symbolic gesture symbolized unity and commitment as teams geared up for a
series of intellectually stimulating games and competitions designed to test their knowledge,
skills, and teamwork. This event marked an important milestone in fostering camaraderie and
enthusiasm among the students, setting a positive tone for the academic and extracurricular
activities ahead.
 After acknowledging the opening of the celebration and the roll call of different teams the
Black Panther, Blue Eagle, Green Serpent, and Red Team during Criminology Week, I am part of
the Black Panther team. The intense game began with the basketball match, which I thoroughly
enjoyed despite the disappointment of our boys' basketball team being eliminated immediately.

After watching the basketball game, it was my turn to participate in the 'Tagisan ng Talino'
contest held in the AVR of the main building at exactly 11:00 am. At first, I was very hesitant to
join because contests are not my cup of tea. I am a very nervous person, and I have low self-
esteem, so participating in a contest made me feel cold and nauseous. Fortunately, I overcame
my fears and faced it, although we were the last group eliminated in the final round. I am still
grateful for the experience because the excitement and nervousness made it fun and tested my
level of knowledge, and I can say that I have learned a lot.
 After the 'Tagisan ng Talino,' I returned to the gymnasium to watch the girls basketball
game. Unlike the boys' team, the girls team moved on to the championship round. I was amazed
by the girls' strength and endurance in playing basketball, as I struggle to dribble and shoot the
ball myself.

In the afternoon, I had the most enjoyable experience participating in the 'Laro ng Lahi.'
This activity included tug of war, a sack race, and an amazing race, and I took part in both the sack
race and amazing race. While I initially wanted to join the tug of war, I realized that my physical
strength might not have been enough to pull the rope, so I opted for other activities where I could
contribute more effectively. Fortunately, both the girls and boys teams won the tug of war event.
Moving on to the sack race, unfortunately, we lost because the other teams were faster, possibly
due to us not having eaten lunch beforehand. Finally, the amazing race involved completing
different stations and solving riddles. Despite being the last team to complete the riddle, we were
fortunate as the teams that finished before us didn't answer correctly. This victory highlighted the
Black Panther team's strength in problem-solving, and we were proudly announced as the
champions.
 I gained valuable insights on day one, from observing various ball games to actively
participating in contests and demonstrating my skills and strengths. Engaging in these activities
made me realize the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and confronting my fears
and lack of self-confidence. This event taught me that the essence lies not in winning or losing
but in making an effort. How would I have learned otherwise if I hadn’t tried? Regardless of the
outcome, I am proud to have experienced and enjoyed the process. This new way of thinking
inspires me to welcome fresh chances that excite me and make me feel alive.

On day two, the championship games for all ball sports added to the excitement.
Witnessing the basketball match between students and instructors was particularly enjoyable.
Despite my team, the basketball boys, not making it to the finals, the intensity of the
championship was palpable. Cheering for the teams amplified the thrill, and I decided to support
the red team, which eventually emerged as the champions. This experience reinforced the
camaraderie and competitive spirit that Criminology Week fostered, highlighting the joy of
sportsmanship and unity among students .
 In the girls' basketball championship, it was more of a friendly game than a serious
competition. Instead of giving us chills, the players made us laugh with their humorous plays,
adding a lively atmosphere to the gym.

The highlight of this day was the first-ever Ms. & Mr. Criminology 2024, considered the
most awaited event at the University of Eastern Pangasinan. This event marked the first time and
title for such an occasion, making it highly anticipated by everyone. Additionally, there was the
Crim Got Talent contest where different teams showcased their talents such as singing, dancing,
beatboxing, and more.

I was very supportive of my best friend, Ruffa Mae Flores, who participated in the pageant.
She is very beautiful and drop-dead gorgeous. Our team, the Black Panthers, supported her from
production number to crowning the winners. Our enthusiasm and encouragement were evident
throughout the event, and witnessing Ruffa Mae's confidence on stage filled us with pride.
 We were very vocal in our support, shouting at the top of our lungs, using improvised
drums, and even a casserole cover to make loud noises in the gym. Our efforts paid off as our
team received different awards such as Best in Uniform, and they were both 3rd runners-up.
Honestly, they were good and brainy, but we can’t deny that it's natural to feel nervousness on
stage. That's what happened with them, which made their thinking blank and caused them to
struggle to answer questions fluently. However, I am still proud of my best friend as she
confidently walked the ramp, smiled, and posed on stage. Not everyone gets the opportunity to
try something new and have an experience like this, and I am very proud of her doing her best.
One of the most memorable quotes from her Q&A session was, 'Life is hard when you are poor,
but life is harder when you don't have a dream.' This quote is undeniably true and resonated with
many of us.
 The second day was tiring as the event finished late, around 7 pm and attendance was
mandatory. Despite the exhaustion and losing our voices, we gave our all to support our team
and were entertained by the different talents showcased in Criminology. This made me realize
that as criminology students, we are not just learners of laws and firearms, we also have talents
to showcase. I hope to gain the confidence to showcase my talent in acting, just like my best friend
overcame her fears on stage. Nevertheless, the second day of Criminology Week was a mix of
excitement, laughter, and pride. It showed us the diverse talents within our field and inspired us
to push our boundaries and embrace new opportunities for personal growth and expression. The
energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved made it a day to remember, reinforcing the sense of
unity and camaraderie among students and faculty alike.

Moreover, all the hard work and dedication paid off as my team, the Black Panthers,
emerged as the overall champions. This victory made every moment of exhaustion and every
cheer worth it. It was a testament to our teamwork, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
Being part of the winning team added an extra layer of fulfillment and pride to an already
memorable experience.
 The final day of Criminology Week was an enriching experience that filled my empty cup.
The preceding two days underscored the importance of socializing, exploring new avenues, and
showcasing talents and skills. Day three was particularly enlightening as we delved into the
complexities of law enforcement, using our ears and minds to absorb valuable insights. Despite
everyone being tired, day three emerged as a profound learning opportunity for us, aspiring law
enforcers.

Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, a highly regarded Ched Education Supervisor in Criminology,
graced us with her presence on this crucial day. Her invaluable tips on the path to becoming future
law enforcers were centered around developing essential skills, maintaining discipline, and
fostering positive relationships within our communities. These foundational principles acted as
pillars of wisdom, guiding us and enabling us to grasp how these tips would benefit us in our
profession.

One of the most enlightening moments of the day came through a captivating video
presentation that conveyed life's essential lessons. Ma’am Mina mentioned that this video is what
she keeps in her mind and it is the reason for her success. The video urged us to start each day
with a sense of accomplishment by completing tasks, to seek reliable allies who will support us
throughout life's challenges, and above all, to treat everyone with respect and kindness. The
video's powerful message also addressed the reality that life is not always fair, encouraging us to
persevere in the face of adversity, take calculated risks, stand up to bullies, and remain resilient
during tough times. These timeless insights were like guiding lights showing us the path,
reminding us of the core values we must uphold as future law enforcers and responsible members
of society.
 Moreover, PO1 Fidel Permison's comprehensive presentation on different illegal drugs
and their societal impact provided a sobering reality check. His detailed explanation of drug
classifications, effects, and associated crimes underscored the gravity of the situation and the
urgent need for awareness and vigilance in combating drug-related crimes. It also includes the
reasons behind why people use drugs. One of the key learnings I have acquired is that the causes
of using illegal drugs are broken families, bad influence from friends, and lack of attention and
guidance due to social media.

Another impactful session came from PO1 Sir Reymund Padua, who delved into the
complexities of NPA (New People's Army) involvement, sharing powerful stories of individuals
who fell victim to radical ideologies. I was shocked that most students came from a privileged
school. These narratives served as reminders of the real-world consequences of extremism and
the importance of promoting peace and understanding in society.
 As the day progressed, the seminar instilled in my mind the quote that Ma'am Mayrelle
said: "Stand your ground, don’t swim away," becoming a mantra of steadfastness, reminding us
to stay true to our principles even in challenging circumstances. Also, "Must be calm, must be
composed," served as a constant reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and
making sound decisions, especially in high-pressure situations typical of law enforcement roles.
As a student lacking self-confidence and scared to take risks, this quote helped me to realize.

In essence, the final day of Criminology Week was a culmination of profound insights,
sobering realities, and empowering lessons. It equipped us with the knowledge, values, and
mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of our future roles as law enforcers. Armed with
these learnings, we step forward with renewed determination, ready to make a positive impact
in the world of criminology and contribute to building safer and more just communities.

Lastly, Criminology Week at our university was a transformative experience that left a
lasting impact on us. It was more than just a series of events but a journey of learning, growth,
and unity. Through engaging competitions, insightful discussions, and inspiring talks, we gained
valuable knowledge about law enforcement, illegal drugs, and the importance of camaraderie
and teamwork. The camaraderie and teamwork displayed during competitions like basketball
games and talent showcases reinforced the spirit of unity and collaboration within our
department. We discovered new talents, celebrated each other's strengths, and built a supportive
environment that will be crucial in our future roles as law enforcers. As we move forward, we
carry with us a stronger sense of purpose and determination to uphold justice, promote peace,
and contribute positively to our communities. Criminology Week, I believe, was not just an event,
it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, shaping us into well-rounded individuals
ready to make a difference in the field of criminology.