By Erwin Garalde Jr. and Jamilla Casie Mei Orbeta, Contributors

Students of MMSU Laboratory High School (LHS) Laoag Campus were recognized at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) model conference, held virtually on November 19.

In the Best Position Paper category, Cariza Isabelle Ventura placed 2nd, Janella Pauline Vidad took 7th, Coleen Abigail Antonio ranked 9th, and Jed Patrick Salvador finished 10th. Mary Ysabelle Calaoagan, Coleen Abigail Antonio, and Jamilla Casie Mei Orbeta received Verbal Commendations, with Ms. Calaoagan also winning the Best Delegate award.

Other participants from Grade 12 included Erwin Garalde Jr., Geero Aisel Borja, Rose Lyka Mainit, and Robin David Gertes.

The conference, hosted by Yang Mei Senior High School in Taiwan, was part of a global effort to combat climate change and strengthen climate action in line with the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 29). The event, themed "In Solidarity for a Green World," also saw participation from students in Thailand, India, and Turkey.

Before the conference, participants submitted position papers on climate issues and actions taken by the countries they represented. During the event, students delivered speeches outlining their assigned countries' climate challenges and proposed solutions, testing their public speaking and analytical skills. The conference also featured an Open Q&A segment, providing a platform for students to exchange ideas.

Rose Lyka Mainit reflected on her experience, saying, “I was truly impressed by the depth of knowledge the other participants had about the climate issues affecting their countries. I hope that this model conference not only sparks meaningful discussions on climate but also inspires real action in our respective countries.”

The Philippine team was led by coaches Mr. Klien Zyrus De Jesus and Ms. Lovelyn Calixtro, LHS instructors, with International Faculty and Student Mobility Chief Jeanette Dials serving as a consultant.

COP 29 is an annual event that focuses on global climate action, emission reductions, the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and support for sustainable development.