Tarlac State University made strides toward advancing rights and justice as a co-organizer of the 5th International Forensic Science Conference hosted by the Tarlac Province from December 11-13, 2024.
With seven participating countries, the international conference commenced today (December 11) at the Bulwagang Kanlahi in Tarlac City, seeking to bridge the gap between justice, societal needs, and science.
The conference features a lecture series from policymakers, academicians, and practitioners from Italy, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines about advancements in digital forensics and the integration of forensic methodologies and legal frameworks.
"One essential component of the criminal justice system is forensic science, which produces unbiased conclusions that can aid in the investigation and punishment of criminals or clear an innocent person of suspicion. The experts we invited to share their knowledge and expertise with all of us here will help deepen our knowledge on finding the truth and seeking justice in a legal proceeding," TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco said in his speech.
Moreover, the three-day event serves as an avenue to foster collaboration across borders and share best practices in forensic science, as stated in the theme, "Forensic Science Without Borders."
The topics of the plenary sessions include forensic psychology, positive psychology, criminal profiling and unique case studies, championing justice, rights, and law in the Philippines, convictions, crime, DNA testing and victim advocacy, the role of forensic anthropology, archaeology, and body farms, forensic taphonomy and heritage forensics.
Tarlac Province Governor Susan Yap also graced the opening day, with the Provincial Government of Tarlac serving as one of the key organizers of the conference.
"This is a challenge to my fellow government officials to engage with scientists and experts as well as the members of the academe to share your expertise and collaborate with us. My speech this morning is actually an invitation for science to be more relevant not only to the government but also importantly to the general public," Gov. Yap said.
Among the conference attendees are the Tarlac PNP and students from Holy Angel University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, University of Baguio, Tomas Claudio Colleges, Camarines Norte State University, University of the Philippines' School of Archaeology, and TSU.
“You’re very fortunate today. Ang mga kasama nating magsasalita sa susunod na tatlong araw ay talagang mga eksperto, dedikadong mga scientists, propesyunal coming from different countries. So this is a very rare opportunity for our students, our police force to hear these experts”, Gov. Yap said.
Other key organizers are the Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science and the University of the Philippines Manila.
"Remember that forensic science is not just a curriculum, but a commitment to do justice... Let us strengthen the Philippine justice system," Dr. Leonardo Estacio Jr. from UP Manila said.
Other key figures who attended the opening ceremony are SIFS President Dr. Ranjeet Singh, UB President Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista, HAU President Engr. Leopoldo Valdes Jr., TSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, TSU SOL Dean Dr. Jose I. Dela Rama Jr., and Dr. Heizel Manapat Reyes from UP Manila. (jlmm-OPA)
