Eight (8) International Studies students (Sofia Adasa, Justine Beato, Ruth Fajardo, Jeryka Lapidario, Daphne Baje, Ysabelle Milyn Mendoza, Nerhema Oliva, and Tyzcia Plateros) from Miriam College participated in the 72nd Annual Session of the Model United Nations of the Far West held on April 21 – 25, 2023 in Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco, California, USA. Carrying the theme “A Force for Good: Health and Technology for a Sustainable Future”, the delegates represented the countries of Belgium and Oman.
During the conference, the students engaged in negotiations with other representatives to promote their efforts in passing resolutions on various global issues, including the right of people to self-determination, universal access to health care services, antimicrobial resistance, and promoting global health through technology transfer. The delegates also participated in extensive and meaningful debates on these matters.
The students representing Belgium received the Slanczka Achievement Award for their exceptional performance in the pre-conference materials. They were also invited to speak at the Opening Plenary Session. Meanwhile, the students who are members of the GA Third Committee received the Mike McBride Outstanding Resolution Award, which is given to the Committee that produces the highest quality outcome document.
Aside from their participation in the conference, the delegates also had a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, where they met with Consul General Neil Ferrer, Consult Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay. They also had the opportunity to meet some representatives of the MMCAA West Coast Chapter (Ms. Nina Ablang, Dr. Donna Ortiz-Zabala, Ms. Joy San Andres, and Ms. Kay Aquino) who provided them meals during the conference.
Miriam College has been participating annually in the Model United Nations of the Far West since 1995. The program is a simulation for college students, wherein they learn how the United Nations and its Member States work together in addressing the world’s most pressing problems. In this program, students act as diplomats where they deliver speeches and engage in debates and discussions. Before leaving for the conference, the students underwent intensive training on public speaking, MUN simulation workshops, and writing country profiles, policy statements, and draft resolutions. They were trained by MCIS MUN Training Coordinators Ms. Pacita Fortin and Ms. Mirma Tica-Ortiz and were accompanied by Dr. Mel Reyes, Chairperson of the IS Dept, in the USA.
