by MYCoP | Sep 18 2025
At the heart of 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ-IIT’s campus, student leaders from across colleges gathered not just to talk about peace and security, but to reimagine how young people can shape conflict-sensitive policies through social fencing and the creative use of artificial intelligence (AI). The event, “AI-Driven Youth Policy Ideation and Brief Writing for Student Peace and Security Concerns,” was jointly facilitated by the 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ-IIT Youth Chain for Peace (MYCoP) and the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), held last September 3, 2025, at the OC Boardroom, 3rd Floor CEBA Building, 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ-IIT.
Social Fencing as a Student Strategy for Conflict Prevention
The workshop’s central objective was to introduce social fencing, a community-driven practice of building “invisible boundaries” of shared responsibility and mutual care that prevent the spread of harmful behaviors and conflict. Student leaders representing MIPSA, SafeStay Connect, KASAMA, MISSC, OSPF, MIMSA, LAV, CASS EC, CCS EC, and CHS EC explored how social fencing can be applied in the University to protect safe spaces, strengthen trust among peers, and prevent issues such as drug abuse, cyberbullying, and other forms of violence.
Participants reflected on how peer accountability and collective vigilance can influence everyday student life, from residence halls and classrooms to online interactions, making social fencing not merely a concept but a living practice for sustaining a peaceful campus environment.
Partnership with Security Agencies to Build Safe Spaces
The presence of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Cybercops, the Civil Military Operations Regiment of the Philippine Army, and Pakigdait Inc. enriched the discussions, helping students understand how government programs align with the principles of social fencing. These partners shared how their own initiatives create healthy and peaceful safe spaces, demonstrating that student-led efforts and government strategies can work hand-in-hand.
Police Lieutenant Alkhaizer Ibrahim of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10 revealed the hidden world of cyber threats in his session on Cybercrime Awareness for Digital Youth Leaders, underscoring the need for digital social fencing to guard against misinformation and online Exploitation.
Meanwhile, 1st Lieutenant Nica D. Aaron (QMS) PA, TU Tabang/CO, 2nd CMO Company, offered real-world lessons from Civil-Military Operations, showing how collaboration between the military and youth can foster trust, resilience, and long-lasting peace.
Convergence of Youth and Stakeholders
Guiding the policy ideation was Prof. Mark Anthony Torres, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Director of IPDM, whose pioneering work in peace education encouraged participants to think beyond conventional solutions and see AI as a powerful ally in amplifying youth voices in policy spaces.
This event was more than a training; it was a convergence of students, educators, peacebuilders, police officers, and military leaders imagining what a safer, more peaceful, and digitally secure future can look like when social fencing is actively embraced by the student community.
For MYCoP and IPDM, the workshop affirmed that peacebuilding is evolving: today’s youth, equipped with technology, partnerships, and the shared discipline of social fencing, are ready to lead the creation of healthy, conflict-free spaces in 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ-IIT and beyond.