‘Focus, Discipline Drive KSU Criminology Graduates to Top 3 in August 2026 Board Exam’ - Dr. Malawis-Ignacio, CCJE Dean

FEATURE

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — What can focus and discipline achieve?

For the criminology graduates of Kalinga State University (KSU), these qualities helped bring their alma mater among the country’s top-performing schools in the August 2026 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE).

On September 1, KSU was ranked third among top-performing schools in the category with 101 to 199 examinees after posting an 84.55 percent passing rate, with 104 of its 123 examinees successfully passing the licensure examination.

For Dr. Mary Grace Malawis-Ignacio, dean of the KSU College of Criminal Justice Education, the achievement was not the result of a special or last-minute strategy.

Instead, she said, it was built on years of following the curriculum, strengthening students’ academic foundations and developing the discipline needed to succeed.

No shortcuts, just strong foundations

Speaking to GURU Press Cordillera, Ignacio said the college did not introduce anything extraordinary in preparation for the August board examination.

The students were simply guided through the curriculum as it has been implemented over the years, with emphasis on building a strong foundation in criminology concepts throughout their four years in college.

By their senior year, students take two review courses covering the different areas included in the licensure examination.

After graduation, they are also given the freedom to enroll in a review center of their choice.

“Ang curriculum kasi naman already included na ang review—Review 1 for the first semester, Review 2 for the second semester kapag fourth year sila. Those review courses cover naman all the areas in the board exam. After that, we let them choose which review center they want,” Ignacio explained.

The college also keeps track of students during their review period, providing guidance and checking on their progress.

Focus made the difference

Beyond the academic preparation, Ignacio believes another factor stood out among the August 2026 examinees: their focus and discipline.

She described many of the successful examinees as serious and academically competitive students who had already demonstrated dedication to their studies since their first year in college.

Their determination became even more evident during their board review, when they remained focused on their goal of becoming licensed criminologists.

“This result is a product, not only of the foundation from our college, but also of the discipline and focus of the students,” Ignacio said.

She also credited the parents and guardians who supported the students throughout their academic journey and review period.

For Ignacio, the achievement is therefore not solely the success of the university. It is a product of the partnership among the students, their teachers and their families.

A license is only the beginning

While the 84.55-percent passing rate is a milestone worth celebrating, Ignacio reminded the new licensed criminologists that passing the board examination should not be considered the final destination.

Instead, it should serve as the beginning of a larger journey.

“We would like them to remember that this is not a destination. This is just the first step to achieving their dreams,” she said.

For KSU, the responsibility also continues beyond producing high-performing board examinees.

Ignacio said the College of Criminal Justice Education remains committed to developing graduates who are not only academically competent but also disciplined and ethical professionals.

“We continue to do our part in forming disciplined and ethical graduates that will serve the community as law enforcers, correction officers, and even those who will be practicing their profession in the academe,” she said.

Building success one student at a time

KSU’s latest achievement adds to its growing performance in the criminology licensure examination.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) also recognized the university for its exemplary performance in the February 2026 CLE, where KSU posted an 80.22-percent passing rate.

But behind the numbers are students who spent years studying, reviewing and preparing for a profession that carries a great responsibility.

Their latest success shows that excellence does not always come from extraordinary measures. Sometimes, it is built quietly—through consistent preparation, discipline, focus, family support and the determination to keep moving toward a dream.

For KSU’s new criminologists, the board results may be a proud ending to their college journey—but more importantly, it marks the first step toward a career dedicated to serving and protecting their communities.