The Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) has hosted a Testimonial Dinner for its alumni who won in the recent Elections and in last month’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Dubbed “Gabing Parangal Para sa Batang 641” and was held at the Centenial Ballroom of the historic Manila Hotel, the honorees included actor and now Senator Robin Padilla, actor-turned-public servant Yul Servo Nieto, who is now the Vice-Mayor of Manila, and former Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr.
PCCR President Ma. Angelica Lei Bautista, lead singer of Prettier Than Pink and composer of the hit song “Cool Ka Lang,” awarded each honoree with a plaque and Academic Scholarships. Both Padilla and Nieto found the time to earn their BS Criminology degrees in spite of their busywork schedule as celebrities in our movie world. While the former continued his successful stint in the movies and television, the latter made his presence felt in the local government scene, first as councilor, then as Congressman, and now as Vice Mayor of Manila.
Currently the Governor of Zambales, Gen. Ebdane served his two aforementioned posts during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was also the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary before being elected to his current post. Gen. Ebdane obtained his Master of Arts in Criminology from PCCR in 1997.
Other honorees are Governor Jose “Otik” Riano of Romblon (BS Crim ‘88), Sangguniang Bayan Members Alvin Truita of Dauin, Negros Oriental (BS Crim ‘18), Joel Landicho of Agoncillo, Batangas (BS Crim ‘95), and Felipe Abigan, Jr. of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte (BS Crim ‘88, MA Crim ‘02, PhD Crim ‘18).
The Alumni Honorees who competed and won in the recent SEA Games are Estie Gay Liwanen (BS Crim ‘09) for Kurash, and Alvin Campos (BS Crim ‘20) for Pencak Silat. A third honoree, James El Mayagma for Pencak Silat, is currently a sophomore student of BS Criminology.
More information on PCCR’s academic offerings may be obtained through 0918-452-8300 and www.pccr.edu.ph.