SMU Forensic Science

BIRTHDAY CASE: REPORT 0626 🕵‍♂️

It is after the careful analysis done that there is proof of having extraordinary commitment, trustworthiness, and accuracy. You will be remembered as one of the best Auditors in MFSO. 🎉

We hope that on your special day, everything ahead will bring more discoveries and outstanding accomplishments. May all difficulties prove to be positive and successful evidence. 🧬

Wishing you a very happy birthday from your MFSO family, German! May this year bring findings that are positive, conclusive and beyond reasonable doubt. 🕵️‍♂️✨

SPECIAL REPORT: 🕵‍♀️ Examining the Evidence of Success ⚖️

Evidence is the starting point of any investigation and every achievement is a standard of excellence, service to others, and personal growth. This Accomplishment Report highlights the major milestones and numerous initiatives & successes experienced throughout the academic year in determining accomplishments as an organization.

During this time period, the MFSO maintained strong levels of participation in several important academic, leadership, and community-oriented activities that develop our knowledge, skills, and commitment to being future professionals in forensic science. From educational-conferences & leadership development programs to celebrating meaningful accomplishments and initiating many important organizational activities, the milestones achieved throughout this academic year demonstrate the dedication and hard work that the members of the MFSO exhibit through their participation within the organization.

As we reflect upon our collective accomplishments, we will take time to celebrate what we experienced and learned from our accomplishments and build memories with each other. Thank you for the many contributions that resulted in the accomplishments that we achieved this academic year. We hope that we all continue to move forward in the pursuit of excellence, service to others, and professionalism in all that we do.

Photo credits to the rightful owners.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡—𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘!

The 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 of 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 offers the 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. This program presents a comprehensive and science-based approach to the study of crime and evidence analysis. It equips students with a strong foundation in key disciplines such as chemistry, toxicology, forensic instrumentation, forensic odontology, and forensic medicine.

The program also emphasizes practical and hands-on learning through activities like crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis, and mass fatality investigation developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and technical competence necessary for forensic practice.

𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 is the 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐈, where it also provides students with valuable opportunities for local, national, and international internships, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, scientific advancement, and the pursuit of justice through evidence-based investigation.

BIRTHDAY CASE: REPORT 0423 🕵‍♀️

Happy Birthday, Chelzea! 🧪🔍

Another year smarter, another mystery uncovered! As the Vice President of Forensic Science, you are not only responsible for solving the mystery based on evidence but also for taking control and ensuring all actions are taken logically.

Happy birthday and keep on solving mysteries and proving your ability to solve the unsolvable. Your story does not end here! 🔎🧬

𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑪𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑴𝒀𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑨𝑺𝑻!

On March 3, 2026, the SMU Forensic Interns embarked on a fascinating tour of the National Museum of Anthropology. They examined a variety of artifacts related to burial practices and explored how these artifacts reveal connections between death, social hierarchy, and community organization. Additionally, they studied early ceramic wares used by ancient Filipinos, showcasing their craftsmanship and trade connections. The interns also learned how forensic archaeology techniques are used to analyze artifacts and human remains, helping to reconstruct historical events. This experience deepened their understanding of how forensic methods can uncover stories hidden within archaeological finds.

𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝

On March 1, 2026, the SMU Forensic Science interns officially commenced a transformative chapter of their OJT at the University of the Philippines Manila. Their journey began with a warm welcome from Dr. Teresa De Guzman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, before they were placed under the expert mentorship of Sir Alfonso Lumabas for a rigorous two-week immersion into the world of forensic science.

Within the grounds of UP Manila, the interns were challenged to reconstruct the silent narratives of the deceased, gaining hands-on experience in assembling human remains and conducting controlled archaeological excavations. Their understanding of material culture was further deepened through curated visits to the National Museum of Anthropology, where they explored the intersection of human behavior and physical evidence.

The scope of their study extended to the historic town of Taal, Batangas—famously known as the "Vigan of the South" and the "Home of Heroes." Stepping into the Don Leon Apacible Ancestral House, the Doña Marcela Agoncillo House, and the Villavicencio Wedding Gift House, the interns stood where revolutionaries once walked, gaining a profound appreciation for the figures who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

From the architectural grandeur of the Taal Basilica to the serene Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, the group witnessed the enduring legacy of Filipino faith and craftsmanship. The visit was punctuated by an interactive look into the local identity of the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital. The interns didn't just observe; they engaged with the community through Balisong and Burda (embroidery) demonstrations and even tried their hand at the traditional art of Panutsa making.

We are honored to present an esteemed lineup of experts who will be sharing their invaluable knowledge and field experience at the 1st Regional Forensic Science Conference. Each professional brings a unique and profound wealth of expertise to our theme, ensuring a high-level exploration of various forensic disciplines. Our sessions will be led by seasoned practitioners and academic leaders who have dedicated their careers to the advancement of science and the pursuit of truth.

These guest speakers are recognized for their significant contributions to the field, offering a diverse range of perspectives that bridge the gap between theoretical study and practical application. We are privileged to have such a powerhouse of talent guiding our participants through the complexities of Mass Fatality, Humanitarian Forensics, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Archaeology, and the collective effort to give a voice to the silent witnesses of history and crisis.

Silent Witnesses No More!

While our commitment to the pursuit of justice remains steadfast, Saint Mary’s University is transitioning the 1st Regional Forensic Science Conference—scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026—to a fully online webinar format. This decision was made in response to unforeseen circumstances and the recent hike in fuel prices, which we recognize poses a significant financial burden for our participants traveling across region 2.

Despite the shift in venue, our high-level sessions and expert speakers remain the same, continuing to explore the theme "From Recovery to Recognition: Giving a Voice to the Silent Witnesses of History and Crisis." Participants will still have the opportunity to delve into the complexities of Mass Fatality Incidents, Humanitarian Forensics, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Archaeology, and Forensic Anthropology via Zoom.

Registration for this virtual event is now only 100 PHP, which includes full access to the Zoom webinar and an e-certificate. Please note that all original registration fees (₱370 for students and ₱550 for professionals) will be fully refunded.

To join us for this landmark event, please secure your virtual slot via the link below no later than the registration deadline on April 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM. We appreciate your understanding as we pivot to ensure this exchange of multidisciplinary insights remains accessible and inclusive for all Forensic Science and Criminology students and professionals.

For those who have already paid, please message Kizzy Ann Paguirigan on Facebook to process your refund.

Seminar Link: https://forms.gle/2zqb9wkH9sqh5CX5A