Biliran Province State University’ School of Criminal Justice Education welcomed back 126 new criminologists with a testimonial ceremony on April 4 at the university gymnasium.

The ceremony, a regular activity of the criminal justice school, honored the passers of the recent February 2025 Criminology Licensure Examination.

Hon. Vennie G. Coton, acting dean of SCJE and a member of BiPSU’s Board of Regents, mentioned that the activity is one way of giving recognition and appreciation to the passers for bringing honor to the university with a significant institutional passing rate in the competitive national licensure examination. “This is for you, you deserve to be given honor because of your achievements,” SCJE dean said.

BiPSU recently achieved a remarkable 71.52% passing rate among first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 69.61%, surpassing the national passing rate of 60.5%.

Meanwhile, guest speaker PCMS Elmer P. De Vera, PNP OIC of Biliran Airport Police Station, reminded the passers to be grateful of what they’ve learned at school because it will be useful in facing the true battle after the licensure exam. 

He also emphasized that reaching dreams comes with sacrifices. “Continue to sacrifice,” he said. “Do not lose hope on your dreams, lahat ng pangarap mo, ma-aachieve mo yan.”

During the testimonial, passers, including February 2025 Regional Top 2 Steven Bosete and Top 5 Cherry Lou Azur, shared their journey from studying at the university, taking the free review hosted by the university, to eventually passing the licensure examination. They also shared tips in acing the board exam.

The activity was also attended by Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Students and External Affairs; Dr. Susan Bentor, vice president for Academic Affairs; Hon. Allan Paul Tubis, Sanguniang Panlalawigan member; Roselle Sabornido, chairperson of the criminology department; faculty members, and criminology students.

Dr. Salvatierra reminded the passers to always remember where they started. 

“Remember the journey that brought you here, remember the sleepless nights and your sacrifices, remember your support system,” the vice president said. “Because all those things made you what you have become today.”

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]