The Communications Olympiad Announces Top 15 Schools Heading to The Grand Championship

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the country chapter of the world’s leading network of communication professionals, in partnership with COMCO School of Communications, the communication training and professional development arm of global award-winning communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises proudly announces the Top 15 schools advancing to The Grand Championship of The Communications Olympiad.

The Communications Olympiad is a premier communications training and competition program for collegiate students designed to empower the next generation of communicators by providing transformative knowledge and practical, real-world applications. Through a rigorous and immersive learning journey, participants sharpened their skills as emerging communications professionals.

The top 15 teams advancing to the Grand Championship, in alphabetical order, are Ateneo de Manila University, Baliuag University, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, De La Salle University – Manila, Far Eastern University, Laguna University, Mapúa University – Makati, Mindoro State University, National University – Dasmariñas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Tarlac State University, University of Antique, University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines – Visayas, University of Saint Anthony – Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

Before the competition, the qualifying teams underwent an intense training camp series with sessions on Best Practices in Communications, The Role of Communications in Environment Conservation, and Innovations in Communications. The Best Practices in Communications kicked off with insights on fundamentals, breaking down the Elements of Strategic Communications Plan, Writing 101 for Business Communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Communication. This was followed by the session on The Role of Communications in Environment Conservation which opened a portal to communicating change with topics including Climate Change and Environmental Concerns, Sustainability Practices Among Businesses, and Environmental Communication and Education.

The Training Camp closed strong for Days 3 and 4 which dove into Innovations in Communications on Digital and Social Media, Responsible Use of AI, the IABC Rubrics, and Introduction to New PR and Smart Social, equipping the students for a more advanced and professional practice to aid them in the Olympiad-level competition.

After completing the training, teams were given just over 24 hours to develop a 10-slide communications plan based on a brief from One Meralco Foundation about their “Energy for Development” programs. The brief provided the teams with an opportunity to learn more about rural development and community empowerment through renewable electrification projects with the Olympians tasked to create an integrated communications plan that is impact driven, and clearly relays the call for action.

They then presented their proposals virtually, which were reviewed by a distinguished panel of communications industry leaders. This intensive challenge tested their creativity, strategic thinking, and presentation skills, ultimately determining the Top 15 teams advancing to the grand finals.

The Grand Championship

The Communications Olympiad is set to conclude through the on-ground Grand Championship happening on June 27, 2025, at the Meralco Center in Pasig City, where the Top 15 will vie for the category medals, highlighting their mastery of the different fields in communication. In the final run, only the Top 3 teams that garnered the most medals will grace the center stage for one last shot to be called the first-ever Grand Champion of The Communications Olympiad.

“Congratulations to our Top 15! Being named the first-ever Grand Championship 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. Participating in The Communications Olympiad was not an easy task but I know that they will agree with me that it was a rewarding experience. While not all proceeded to the Grand Finals, having made it into program as well as undergoing The Communications Olympiad Training Camp can be considered already as a big win for the students and the schools,” shared Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Corporate Secretary and Lead for Youth and Education of IABC Philippines, and the Interregional President & Group Chief Executive / Head of Global and Strategic Communications / Partner & Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises.

“It is indeed my pleasure to witness one of the rising communications initiatives that will not only let universities and colleges compete but also to pool talented minds to birth new innovations. In this case, environmental sustainability being our central topic is not just a theme but a commentary on how we need to act on these issues and provide viable solutions, starting with us in the communications field. With like-minded communication professionals, we hope the Olympians find their meaning and spot in the world to do good,” shared Ms. Belle Tiongco, President of IABC Philippines and Vice President & Co-Founder of Football for Humanity.

The Communications Olympiad is organized by IABC Philippines and the COMCO School of Communications, together with COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises and One Meralco Foundation as platinum sponsors; Globe Telecom Inc., Goodness Graze, Midea, Monde Nissin, and TP in the Philippines as gold sponors; Jollibee Foods Corp. and Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc. as silver sponsors; and Sony Philippines, Sustainability PH, and Uratex Monobloc as bronze sponsors. Its official media partners include Malaya Business Insight, SEA Wave Pilipinas, SEAWaveMag.com, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila.com. The official student organization partners are the Arts and Sciences Society of English Majors from West Visayas State University, Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators – Silliman University, PLM Mass Communication Students’ League from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Team Communication from De La Salle University, University of the Philippines – Baguio On MIC, and the West Visayas State University Communication Student Council.