Taking a significant step toward professional practice and public service, the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), through its Criminology Department, held its Criminology Internship Pre-Deployment Orientation, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, and Pinning Ceremony on November 4, 2026, at the SPAMAST Lecture Hall in Malita, Davao Occidental. The activity marked the transition of Criminology interns from academic preparation to experiential learning, underscoring the importance of institutional collaboration in developing competent, ethical, and service-oriented future professionals in the fields of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice.
The ceremony was attended by Criminology interns and representatives from partner agencies, including the Malita Municipal Police Station, Malita Fire Station, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office–Malita, DOJ–Davao Occidental Parole and Probation Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Davao Occidental, and the Philippine Coast Guard–Davao Occidental.
A key highlight of the activity was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which formalized the institutional partnership between SPAMAST and its internship host agencies. This collaboration reinforces the commitment of both the academic institution and government agencies to provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities that bridge criminology education with actual public safety, law enforcement, community service, and justice administration practices.
The pre-deployment orientation further emphasized the responsibilities of interns in upholding discipline, accountability, professionalism, respect for human rights, and ethical conduct throughout their internship. Meanwhile, the pinning ceremony symbolized the students’ readiness to embrace their professional responsibilities and the trust entrusted to them as representatives of the institution in their respective host agencies.
SPAMAST President, Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, underscored the institution’s continuing commitment to delivering quality and relevant education through strong institutional partnerships and industry-based learning opportunities. The initiative reflects SPAMAST’s pursuit of producing competent, socially responsible, and service-oriented graduates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.
Beyond fulfilling an academic requirement, the activity signifies a shared commitment to developing future professionals who understand that public service demands not only technical competence but also integrity, compassion, accountability, and dedication to the common good.
Through this initiative, SPAMAST advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, by promoting practical, inclusive, and work-integrated learning; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by strengthening the preparation of future professionals in the criminal justice and public safety sectors; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through sustained collaboration with government agencies and institutional partners. Ultimately, the initiative reinforces SPAMAST’s commitment to transforming academic learning into meaningful public service and building a more competent, ethical, and responsive workforce.
