MSEUF strengthens human rights education in Criminology program through UN-CHR workshop

Dr. Henedina Lagumen, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Criminology (CCJC), and Dr. Dennis Albert Gonzales, CCJC faculty of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) recently participated in a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing human rights education in criminology schools at the Hive Hotel in Quezon City, May 27-28.

The workshop brought together educators, advocates, and human rights experts to discuss the state of human rights education in criminology programs across the country. It provided a platform for sharing best practices and experiences in integrating human rights into academic instruction, particularly in criminology. Participants explored strategies to expand human rights awareness, not only within educational institutions but also in communities, especially at the local and barangay levels.

Key sessions focused on the progress of human rights integration in criminology curricula, opportunities for academic research and collaboration, and future partnerships to support a rights-based approach to justice and law enforcement education.

The involvement of Dr. Lagumen and Dr. Gonzales highlights MSEUF’s continued efforts to align its criminology program with global standards. The university is committed to enriching its Bachelor of Science in Criminology curriculum with stronger content on human rights education—helping prepare future criminologists who are not only skilled in law enforcement but also grounded in the principles of human dignity, justice, and accountability.

United Nations Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), in cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines and the Embassy of Norway organized the event.

The workshop’s outcomes are expected to further reinforce the university’s contribution to community-centered and rights-based criminology education in the Philippines.

The participation of Dr. Lagumen and Dr. Gonzales underscores MSEUF's commitment to improving the course syllabus in Human Rights Education as part of the curriculum for Bachelor of Science in Criminology, aligning with national and international efforts to uphold human rights in the justice system. The workshop's outcomes are expected to contribute to the continued enhancement of human rights education for aspiring criminologists in the Philippines, as well as bringing awareness into the community particularly the vulnerable members of the community led by academe.