IABC Philippines and COMCO School of Communications are launching the first-ever Communications Olympiad in the Philippines, a nationwide training program for college students in communication-related fields. This initiative equips future professionals with real-world knowledge through hands-on learning and an Olympiad-level competition.

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, a 2024 Global IABC Gold Quill Awardee for its Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, expands its commitment to communication education through this partnership with IABC Philippines. Unlike the Philippine Student Quill Awards, which focus on performance and recognition, the Communications Olympiad emphasizes guided learning and skill development through practical exercises.

 

INAUGURAL THEME: REWRITE CLIMATE CHANGE

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This year’s Communications Olympiad adopts the theme "Rewrite Climate Change", focusing on reshaping narratives and practices through effective communication. Rather than developing scientific solutions, participants will use storytelling and advocacy to inform, educate, and inspire action, driving awareness and behavior change. 

As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations despite minimal global emissions, the Philippines offers a crucial perspective in this conversation. The initiative encourages the development of practical communication strategies that can be adopted to promote sustainability and collective action for a more secure future.

 

LEARNING JOURNEY: TRAINING, ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITION

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The Communications Olympiad consists of three phases: Qualifier Phase, Elimination Round, and Grand Championship.

Qualifier Phase
Each academic institution will nominate one team of five undergraduate students, with roles such as project leader, writer, designer, head researcher, and lead presenter. Teams must submit a position paper and entry form to communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com by March 14, 2025. From these entries, 30 teams will advance to the next round. 

Elimination Round
Finalists will participate in pilot classes and training sessions covering best practices, environmental communication, and innovations in the field. They will then have 24 hours to develop a 10-slide communications plan, with the best submissions moving to the final round. 

Grand Championship
The top 15 teams will compete for category medals, with the top 3 finalists presenting their plans to an expert jury. One team will be crowned Communications Olympiad Grand Champion, while first and second runners-up will also be recognized. Winners will receive exciting prizes and a prestigious trophy for their school.

 

CALL FOR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

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IABC Philippines and COMCO School of Communications invite companies, brands, media outlets, and student organizations to support the Communications Olympiad through sponsorship and partnership opportunities. Companies can join as co-presenters or sponsors, while media groups and student organizations can become program partners. Interested parties can email communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com for details.

Ferdinand L. Bondoy, IABC Philippines' Corporate Secretary and Lead for Youth and Education, as well as Group Chief Executive Director of COMCO Mundo, emphasized the Olympiad’s mission:
"The Communications Olympiad harnesses the power of Meaningful Storytelling to tackle climate change. With COMCO’s expertise in communication training and IABC Philippines’ commitment to sustainability, we aim to create a valuable learning journey for students, the industry, and stakeholders to inspire real action for the environment."

Belle Tiongco, President of IABC Philippines, highlighted the organization’s dedication to impactful communication:
"At IABC Philippines, we believe communication drives real change. Following last year’s Triple P Awards focus on sustainability, our collaboration with COMCO School of Communications combines education and advocacy in The Communications Olympiad. By integrating sustainability, we strive for greater social impact and long-term development."

 

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To know more about The Communications Olympiad, please visit www.comcomundo.com/the-communications-olympiad/ and follow us at www.facebook.com/communicationsolympiad on Facebook and www.linkedin.com/company/the-communications-olympiad on LinkedIn.
For more information on sponsorship and partnership packages, email us at communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com.