Malita, Davao Occidental – On October 17, 2024, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) hosted a recognition ceremony to honor its 15 successful passers of the August 2024 Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE), who achieved an outstanding 88.24% passing rate. The ceremony, held at the SPAMAST Auditorium, celebrated the achievements of Batch Bagsik-Diwa CL 2023-01, in the presence of faculty members, students, parents, and key college officials.
Dr. Marlyn B. Llameg, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), formally opened the event, acknowledging the dedication, hard work, and the expectations awaiting the honorees in their future careers as Criminology professionals.
SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia delivered an inspiring message, congratulating the passers for their exceptional commitment to pursuing a career in criminal justice. She emphasized the support of parents, guardians, and faculty members in their success, calling their achievements a testament to hard work and perseverance.
Dr. Bontia recalled the origins of the Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSC) program, initiated under the leadership of former CHED Regional Office XI Director, Raul C. Alvarez. She expressed appreciation for the faculty’s efforts, particularly highlighting the dedication of Dr. Jonel Mark Sarno, the program head and the first faculty member of the program.
The President also shared how the program strives to ensure that its graduates are prepared for the licensure exam, securing the Certificate of Program Compliance from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Despite not being a core mandate of SPAMAST, the Criminology program addresses a vital need in the community for social justice and security professionals.
Dr. Bontia encouraged the passers to perform their duties with integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She urged them to serve their communities with honor and compassion.
A parent of one of the passers, Mrs. Ester P. Pelayre, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, acknowledging the support from SPAMAST and the provincial leadership of Davao Occidental, particularly for scholarship opportunities that helped students reach their dreams.
Several passers from Batch Bagsik-Diwa CL 2023-01 also shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for the support of their families and SPAMAST during the ceremony.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Fe T. Canoy, Director for Instruction, who expressed her congratulations and words of encouragement to the passers.
The recognition ceremony underscored the dedication and success of SPAMAST’s Criminology program and its commitment to the future of its students and the community it serves