The Abuyog Community College (ACC) welcomed the Professional Regulatory Board for Criminology (PRB-Crim) through its Board Inspection and Monitoring Team in a formal program inspection and evaluation activity aimed at strengthening academic standards and enhancing licensure examination performance on Friday, April 17.

The program opened with a solemn invocation, followed by the welcome message of Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, who extended institutional hospitality to the visiting evaluators.

In a reflective metaphor, the gathering was likened to a “pond drinking from a flowing source”—symbolizing openness, learning, and the institution’s readiness to absorb wisdom for growth and improvement.

Moreover, Dr. Montallana underscored a culture of inquiry and responsiveness, emphasizing that “mas maganda ang nagtatanong kesa sa nag-iisip na hindi nagtatanong”, highlighting that progress is rooted in questions, dialogue, and continuous reflection.

The inspection team was led by Chairman Hon. Ramil G. Gabao, RCrim, MPSA, Ph.D., together with Board Members Hon. Warren M. Corpuz, RCrim, Ph.D., and Hon. Lani T. Palmones, RCrim, Ph.D. They were joined by Mr. Nilo Radam, Supervising Professional Regulations Officer (PRO) of PRC Region 8 and Eleazar S. Balbada, RCrim, Ph.D., Regional Council Governor, PCAP Region VIII.

In his message, Chairman Hon. Ramil G. Gabao, RCrim, MPSA, Ph.D., stressed that the PRB-Crim’s role is not to supplant the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), but to complement national efforts in strengthening higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly in producing competent criminology professionals for national service.

Atty. Gabao also addressed the evolving demands of education and professional practice, urging institutions to “unleash their full potential” in response to changing times.

He also emphasized reforms aimed at strengthening self-confidence, aligning instruction with licensure demands, and ensuring meaningful transfer of learning in criminology practice.

Another key highlight of the inspection centered on improving licensure examination performance, anchored on the effective use of the Table of Specifications (TOS). The PRB-Crim emphasized that instructional alignment with TOS is essential in building competence and ensuring board exam readiness.

The inspection further highlighted the importance of the “utility of learning”—ensuring that criminology education is not merely theoretical but actively transferable to practice.

Reforms were discussed as essential mechanisms to build confidence among graduates and improve real-world application in law enforcement and criminal justice settings.

The Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) was also referenced as a guiding structure for aligning competencies across educational levels and professional expectations.

In closing, the PRB-Crim visit reaffirmed a shared commitment between regulators and educators: to elevate criminology education, strengthen licensure outcomes, and sustain a culture grounded in excellence, accountability, and continuous reform.