Mindoro State University has been officially named the Grand Champion of the inaugural Communications Olympiad, a national training and competition program aimed at empowering the next generation of communicators to “Rewrite Climate Change” through creative and impactful storytelling.
Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines and the COMCO School of Communications, the Grand Championship was held on June 27, 2025, at the Meralco Center in Pasig City.
The winning team from Mindoro State University impressed judges with a powerful campaign that was described as creative, insightful, and deeply resonant with communities. They dominated the medal tally with gold awards in key categories such as Strategy, Hero Execution, Community Activation, Creatives, Video Storytelling, and Social Media. They also secured silver medals in Research & Insights, Use of Multimedia, and Editorial, and a bronze medal in Presentation Skills. Their comprehensive and cohesive campaign placed them ahead of the pack in a field of 15 top universities from across the country.
Joining Mindoro State University on the winners’ podium were the University of the Cordilleras as 1st Runner-Up and the University of the Philippines Visayas as 2nd Runner-Up. The University of the Cordilleras also made an impressive showing with gold medals in Research & Insights, Hero Execution, and Editorial; silver in Strategy, Community Activation, Social Media, and Presentation Skills; and a bronze in Creatives. The University of the Philippines Visayas stood out for its strong presentation skills and multimedia storytelling, earning golds in both categories and a bronze in Editorial.
Before the final round, all participating teams underwent a multi-day training camp that covered best practices in strategic communication, environmental storytelling, CSR communications, digital and social media, and responsible AI use. Following the training, teams had just over 24 hours to complete a 10-slide communications plan responding to a brief from One Meralco Foundation focused on rural development and renewable energy. The finalists then presented their campaigns live, with final scores based 80% on the hackathon and 20% on their live pitches.
Special awards were also given during the event. Far Eastern University received the Special Jury Prize for their consistency and commitment to the theme, while Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila was recognized with the Highly Commended Award for their close competition with the top three teams.
The competition’s Top 15 finalists included Ateneo de Manila University, Baliuag University, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, De La Salle University – Manila, Far Eastern University, Laguna University, Mapúa University – Makati, National University – Dasmariñas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Tarlac State University, University of Antique, University of Saint Anthony (Iriga City), University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines Visayas, and Mindoro State University.
Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Corporate Secretary of IABC Philippines and COMCO Mundo’s Interregional President, lauded all the teams for their creativity and commitment, saying, “Being named the first-ever Grand Champion of The Communications Olympiad is not just a showcase of skill and creativity, but a reminder that the youth can make a difference in addressing the pressing concerns of society today.” IABC Philippines President Belle Tiongco echoed the sentiment, adding that the competition was a celebration of youth innovation and action, especially in advancing environmental sustainability.
The Olympiad was made possible by platinum sponsor One Meralco Foundation, gold sponsors Globe Telecom, Goodness Graze, Midea, Monde Nissin, and TP in the Philippines, silver sponsors Jollibee Foods Corporation and Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc., and bronze sponsors Sony Philippines, Sustainability PH, and Uratex Monobloc. Media partners included Malaya Business Insight, SEA Wave Pilipinas, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila, while student organization partners from West Visayas State University, Silliman University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, De La Salle University, and UP Baguio helped rally support for the event. (with reports from Carlos Aragon)
