By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Andrea H. Yulo (center), a first-year BS Chemistry student from Central Philippine University, shares a moment with her fellow delegates after earning the Best Delegate award from UNICEF at the 1st Global Youth Ambassadors Model United Nations in Baguio City.
At Central Philippine University (CPU), an institution that has long fostered leadership, critical thinking, and global awareness, students are continuously encouraged to pursue opportunities that shape them into socially conscious leaders. And this year, one Centralian student has proven that passion, perseverance, and purpose can shine on the international stage.
Andrea H. Yulo, a first-year BS Chemistry student under the CPU-College of Arts and Sciences and a proud member of Wordsmith: Centralian Public Speakers, recently earned the prestigious “Best Delegate” award from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at the 1st Global Youth Ambassadors Model United Nations (GYAMUN) in Baguio City.
For Andrea, the recognition came as a surprise. “I honestly did not expect it. I was hoping to get an ‘Honorable Mention’ since I just wanted to improve my speaking skills and leadership,” she shared in an online interview. “But when I heard the news, I cried happy tears. Winning was the result of hard work and the progress I’ve made since my first MUN last April. I couldn’t have done it without the people who supported me.”
Among those she credits are her MUN partner James, her friends from GYAMUN Sean and Andrei, and Manang Florence from Wordsmith, whose encouragement fueled her confidence throughout the event. The journey, however, was not without its difficulties. Traveling sixteen hours to and from Baguio while balancing academic responsibilities and preliminary exams already tested Andrea’s endurance. But the conference itself proved to be even more demanding.
“Model United Nations is all about debating, negotiating, extemporaneous speaking, and leading,” Andrea explained. “You have to defend your assigned country, draft agreements, deliver speeches, and manage simulated world crises. It’s very overstimulating, and by the end of the day, you’re drained with a migraine and a low social battery. But I pushed through because I genuinely enjoy MUNs and the community that comes with it.”
Andrea’s journey into diplomacy began when Joniel Jay Villorente, former president of The Prosecutors CPU SHS Debate Organization, encouraged her and fellow officers to join the West Visayas Model United Nations (WVMUN). What started as an experiment to expand beyond debate became a turning point.
“I fell in love with diplomacy,” she said. “It helped me practice critical thinking, appreciate global efforts to solve international issues, and gain confidence in myself.”
She also credited Wordsmith: Centralian Public Speakers for endorsing her and managing her academic commitments while she pursued MUN opportunities. For Andrea, representing the Centralian community at GYAMUN was both an honor and a responsibility. “I hope this opens more opportunities to introduce MUNs and diplomacy events to CPU and build partnerships with other MUN communities.”
When asked about her advice to aspiring Centralians who want to follow in her footsteps, Andrea emphasized purpose over recognition. “MUNs are exhausting and demanding since you’ll spend weeks researching, debating, and speaking. The only way to push through is to remember why you joined. It’s not about the awards. It’s about learning, serving those affected by global issues, and becoming a socially aware global citizen.”
Her words echo the true spirit of diplomacy: service, collaboration, and dialogue. “So, enjoy the experience,” Andrea encouraged. “Take risks, make new friends, and never be afraid to speak up. Your passion for MUNs and for humanity will always speak for itself. That’s how you truly win.”
With her recent victory, Andrea not only raises the CPU banner in the international arena but also inspires her fellow Centralians to use their voice, embrace global citizenship, and lead with courage and compassion.