UNexpected to UNstoppable

A Journey of Character, Excellence, Service, and Diplomacy

The story of the MGC New Life Christian Academy Model United Nations (MGCNL MUN) Academic Varsity began with an unexpected opportunity that would soon grow into an unstoppable movement of student diplomacy and leadership.

It all started with an invitation from one of the country’s premier high schools—the Philippine Science High School—to join the inaugural Model United Nations conference on their main campus in January 2018. Eleven brave students from various grade levels rose to the challenge, stepping into an unfamiliar arena that tested their intellect, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Though the experience came with many challenges, it sparked a lasting passion for diplomacy among our students. Who would have thought that from that single event, the seeds of the MGCNL MUN Academic Varsity would take root? Later that same year, led by our pioneer delegate Roswell Ryan Siy, our school sent its first-ever international delegation to the Singapore Model United Nations Conference in June 2018.

From that point onward, MGCNLCA formalized its Model United Nations Academic Varsity, providing structure, guidance, and training for aspiring delegates. Students began actively seeking conferences to join, building networks with MUN clubs and organizations, and sharpening their skills in public speaking, position paper writing, and diplomatic negotiation. Soon enough, our delegates started earning recognition through awards and commendations from various conferences.

Under the mentorship of Mr. Kenno Jan Caballero and Mrs. Karen Fulgencio, the varsity became a student-led organization guided by faith and excellence. The first secretariat team—Faith Solis, Natassja Lao, and Jaye Yap—paved the way by organizing trainings, structuring recruitment, and ensuring that each new delegate embodied not only skill but also commitment and integrity.

As leadership transitioned to Secretary-Generals Samantha Tongco and Francine Ty, consecutively, the varsity continued to strengthen its training programs, refining research, writing, and public speaking competencies. Delegates once again represented the school at the Singapore MUN 2019, and soon after, at the Ateneo MUN—their final in-person conference before the world was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When lockdowns halted physical gatherings, the MGCNL MUN did not stop. With determination and adaptability, the varsity continued to participate in online conferences both locally and abroad. Even in isolation, our delegates demonstrated unity, resilience, and the true spirit of diplomacy—connecting, collaborating, and learning through screens while the world stood still.

As the world gradually reopened, Secretary-General Steffi Chu led the varsity through a new phase—transitioning back to face-to-face training and conferences. The school once again sent delegates abroad, marking its first international in-person conference post-pandemic in South Korea, where, by God’s grace, our students brought home major awards.

Fueled by gratitude and faith, the team soon embarked on another milestone—the first-ever LIFEMUN Conference, hosted by MGC New Life Christian Academy. With the theme “Upholding Diplomatic Relations Amidst the Fragile Balance of Peace and Conflict in a War-Torn World,” it featured three committees: UN Security Council (Advanced), UNESCO (Intermediate), and UNWTO (Beginner)

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Ariz Severino V. Convalecer, Director of the Financial Planning Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, who shared valuable insights on diplomacy and nation-building.

Building on that success, the 2nd LIFEMUN was launched under Secretary-General Dana Chiong, with the theme “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Present, Igniting the Future.” This iteration expanded to four committees—UNODC, UNCSTD, the African Union, and the League of Nations—and featured keynote speaker Dr. Robin Michael Garcia, an international relations expert and political economist.

The 3rd LIFEMUN, themed “Democracy’s Dilemma: Navigating Regional Peace and Sculpting Global Prosperity,” tackled pressing global and historical issues through the committees IOM, OAS, SPECPOL, and a Historical Crisis Committee on the Establishment of the Jewish State. The event also highlighted the work of our press corps representing The Lumos Times, The Crimson Star, The Cerulean Post, and The Canary Chronicle. The keynote address was given by Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares, Representative of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist.

The two-day conference was a testament to the varsity’s growth, showcasing engaging debates, thoughtful resolutions, and deep camaraderie among participants.

Today, as we prepare for the 4th LIFEMUN, we remain committed to improving and creating meaningful experiences for all future delegates.

The success of MGCNL MUN and LIFEMUN is a collective achievement—rooted in God’s faithfulness, strengthened by the dedication of every Secretariat member, delegate, and adviser, and supported by the Lifenews staff, our official school publication.

Indeed, what began as something UNexpected has become truly UNstoppable—a movement grounded in faith, character, and excellence, shaping students to be the next generation of God-honoring diplomats and servant leaders.

To God be all the glory and honor!

— Mr. Kenno Jan Caballero

MGCNL MUN Academic Varsity Adviser

Araling Panlipunan Subject Leader

HUMSS Strand Coordinator

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