“HISTORY shows that embracing diversity and common values has often been the foundation of lasting peace, inspiring hope for a more united future,” Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. D. De Villa, OSB spoke in his opening remarks for the SBCA Model United Nations IV (MUN), exemplifying the heart of the event, harmony between nations. The MUN is a three-day yearly event where student delegates simulate diplomacy between nations through debates and discussions to create solutions to prevailing issues. This year’s MUN was held last Oct. 6-8. 

With the theme "Unity in Diversity: Innovation, Equity, and Peace in a Changing World," the fourth MUN focused on discussions in a hypothetical Filipino party being present during the Treaty of Paris, women’s rights, journalism as a foreground for the dissemination of information, faced internationally, where delegates found middle ground and forged solutions together. There were three councils, namely the Historical Crisis Committee, UN Women, and the Diplomatic Press Corps.

The opening day began by welcoming delegates and guests beyond SBCA. “Peace and prosperity can only endure when nations work together respecting differences while striving toward a common goal,” H.E. Amb. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, said in his inspirational speech, emphasizing that there will always be common ground to be found when facing global concerns, and that there are often multiple solutions to a single problem.  

Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, in his speech, regarded respect and openness to be the foundation of diplomacy, stating that dialogue would not be possible without a willingness to listen. 

The second day started with the Historical Crisis Committee (HCC) in “Redrawing Empires: Negotiating the Treaty of Paris,” wherein they posited a hypothetical Philippine representation in the council at that time and sought to challenge what would become of the treaty. The Treaty of Paris was an armistice that addressed the futures of Spain’s colonies and territorial transfers, with these hypothetical outcomes potentially changing with one discussion.

The day ended with a Socials Night in Manny Reyes Hall along with a grand dinner buffet, a first since the SBCAMUN was established. The night set aside formality and discussion for a celebration of culture and recognizing heritage and creativity through dance. The Muntinlupa Dance Troupe performed multiple sets of folk dances, encapsulating cultures from all over the Philippines with regard and respect. The troupe ended the night by allowing the delegates, particularly those from Thailand, to try the Tinikling with them.

The UN Women council was challenged with the issue  “The Digital and Commercialized Pornography Industry: Its Impact on Women’s Rights and Safety.” In the digital age, women’s rights to privacy, safety, and bodily autonomy have largely been negatively affected due to the ever-growing pornography industry. As not only women of age are exploited but also young girls, the delegates were tasked to create forthcoming solutions to further commit to gender equality and protect all women in the world.

The Press Corps engaged in print and broadcast media to portray international media outlets, as the press is often a force of diplomacy in disseminating truths and events, staffed by the various delegates. 

They created reports, articles, position papers, and sample newspapers while emulating international media outlets; however, these were not officially published. While focusing on global events, they also reported on the challenges faced by the UN Women's Council and the Historical Crisis Council. Together, they used journalism to scrutinize and spread awareness. 

After the final committee sessions on the last day, the closing ceremony began, with Prof. Keren Arroyo extending her heartfelt message to the attendees and the organizers, “I hope you bring home not only memories of this event, but also a renewed commitment to do good to our world, no matter how small your actions may seem,” she said.

In an interview with The BEDAN HERALD, Iya Tenorio (III-BAIS), MUN Executive Director, remarked on the difficulties in preparing for MUN, especially the taxing social aspects of organizing. However, she was thankful to her team and peers who helped her through it all, as she believed the MUN to be a true group effort. 

“For me, this is a training ground for future heroes. Diplomacy is not easy, and this is a great opportunity for the students to learn how diplomats work,” she concludes.

Delegates in attendance were those from FEU Alabang, Colegio de Muntinlupa, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, Thammasat University, University of San Agustin, Hope Christian High School, SK of Muntinlupa, and SBCA Senior High and the Tertiary School students.