By Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, BA Comm -4, The Centralian Link Intern
Last February 6-7, 2026, students from Central Philippine University embarked on a journey to the Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus for a 2-day Model United Nations Conference. This marks the first time a large and intentional delegation from CPU, made up of students from all the varying departments of the university, participated in a Model United Nations Conference.
Bringing together diverse perspectives, the group represented CPU with enthusiasm and the spirit of international diplomacy, focusing on pressing global issues. This involvement has not only fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration within the university but also strengthened ties between CPU and other educational institutions, paving the way for more inter-institutional MUN engagements in Western Visayas.
PISAY-MUN hosted three simulated United Nations Committees with different current global issues that needed to be addressed: the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) on the topic of “Modernizing Counter-Terrorism Strategies Against Biological, Chemical, and Nuclear Weapons”; the UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) centered on the topic of “Fostering Sustainable Urban-Rural Linkages For Food Security and Economic Development”; and the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) focused on “Navigating The Human Rights Implications of Emerging Technologies in Smart City Governance and Development,” wherein every committee included delegates from Central Philippine University.
After two days of grueling debate, discourse, resolution writing, and crises, the CPU delegation had persevered through it all, and certain members of the delegation came home with the following awards:
Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on (BACOMM-4) – Verbal Commendation – UNSC/Japan
Lexiss Lin Lumanog (BSSW-2) – Verbal Commendation – UN-HABITAT/Delegate of Italy
Rica Rain Jeneil Sirilan (STEM 12) – Best Position Paper – UN-HABITAT/Delegate of Colombia
Cassandra Joyce Orpeza (10-Newton [SSC]) – Honorable mention – UNHRC/Delegate of Chile
Raeva Grace Mandal – (10-Mercury) Verbal Commendation – UNHRC/Delegate of Costa Rica
Sam Isaac Alog (BSN-1) – Honorable Mention – UNHRC/Delegate of the USA
Two leaders from the CPU delegation were interviewed after the event. Andrea Yulo, a first year B.S. Chemistry student, who has notably won several awards from past MUN conferences, said, “I am very happy that we get to spread further the magic of MUNs to those interested in public speaking and debate. MUNs are an exciting opportunity for delegates not only to learn how to speak and research, but to embrace controversial positions and network with niche people. I sincerely hope this opens more opportunities for Centralians to excel in MUNs and maybe even Model Congresses.”
On the other hand, Sam Isaac Alog, a first year B.S. Nursing student, remarked, “This milestone is indeed a first among many. It is an honor to witness such a robust delegation of Centralians, each carrying immense potential and a commitment to excellence. I am particularly proud of the synergy within our team, represented by talented delegates from the JHS, SHS, and College departments.”
This delegation and these victories continually prove that Central Philippine University, is 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.