The Filipino nation currently faces worsening disregard for the rule of law and disrespect for human rights, as evident in glaring extra-judicial killings, illegal arrests and detentions, etc. Achieving a responsive criminal justice system will usher the dream of reaching the sustainable development goal of peace, security and strong institutions. In the process, the University of the Cordilleras becomes a lead university in promoting a responsive criminal justice system through education and research. The Theory of Change is built on the following intermediate changes along the six domains of change: a Human rights-based education in place; a strengthened research and development attuned to the needs of the times; enlightened and empowered communities through outreach; competent criminal justice movers among the faculty members, students and the community; a system-transformation multi-stakeholder partnership in human rights advocacy; and wellequipped laboratories and library resources for advanced criminal justice education and research.