Written by Stephie Rose Magno
remarkable impact at the 1st National Peace and Justice Ideation and Pitch Competition, securing third place with their innovative project, Trace Net. The competition, launched by the University of the Cordilleras (UC) Peace and Justice Innovation Center in collaboration with the UC RightsLife Project, aimed to foster innovation in human rights and justice. The two-day event, held from November 9-10, 2024, brought together some of the brightest minds from esteemed institutions across the Philippines, united in their quest to develop solutions that champion peace and human rights.
Participating schools included the University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Holy Angel University, Cordillera Career Development College, King’s College of the Philippines, Our Lady of Fatima University, and West Visayas State University (Lambunao Campus). These institutions sent forth dedicated students who engaged in rigorous brainstorming, collaboration, and presentation of transformative ideas aimed at strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which advocates for peace, security, and robust institutions.
Among the outstanding teams was the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) of the University of Baguio, which secured third place with their innovative project. This remarkable achievement highlighted their commitment to advancing solutions for justice and security. The UB team was composed of Jenny Rose Palangdao, Samuel Natocyad, Ryza Lara, Chire Venice Pastorfide, and Hermie Jhane Abadiano, under the guidance of their dedicated coach, Dr. Jaime Rodrigo Leal.
At the heart of SCJPS-UB’s success was Trace Net, a pioneering digital platform designed to streamline communication between citizens and law enforcement in real-time. The system allows users to report missing individuals swiftly and efficiently, eliminating the bureaucratic delays associated with in-person police reporting. Recognizing the urgent need for a structured and immediate response, the team also proposed the establishment of a dedicated police unit within the Philippine National Police (PNP) to oversee Trace Net’s operations, ensuring rapid and specialized action in handling such cases. This initiative not only enhances public trust in law enforcement but also exemplifies the power of technology in safeguarding human rights.
A Platform for Progressive Change
The competition unfolded over two days of intense intellectual engagement. The first day featured a reverse pitching session led by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), followed by a dynamic design thinking workshop that encouraged participants to refine their ideas into actionable solutions. On the second day, the culmination of efforts materialized as teams took to the stage, presenting their projects before a distinguished panel of judges who assessed the feasibility, impact, and innovation of each pitch.
The 1st National Peace and Justice Ideation and Pitch Competition marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more responsive and dynamic criminal justice system. By bringing together young visionaries, academic institutions, and justice advocates, the event not only fostered groundbreaking ideas but also ignited a renewed commitment to upholding human rights in the Philippines. As the competition sets the stage for future innovations, it reaffirms the transformative role of education and technology in building a more just and equitable society.
