27 November 2025 – PH Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez warmly received a delegation from KEYS School Manila, composed of nineteen Grade 10 students and three faculty advisers, during a courtesy call at the Sentro Rizal Conference Room of the Chancery on 27 November 2025.

The delegation is in Seoul ahead of their participation in the Yale Model United Nations Korea (YMUNK) 2025 Conference, to be held from 28 to 30 November at KINTEX, Goyang City. This marks the third year that KEYS School Manila has sent a delegation to the ROK for international academic simulations, underscoring the growing engagement of Filipino youth in global citizenship, cultural exchange, and educational diplomacy.

Ambassador-designate Fernandez spoke with the students about the values that guide foreign service work and encouraged them to broaden their understanding of the Philippines by engaging with the everyday experiences of their fellow Filipinos. The students demonstrated a strong interest in diplomacy, public service, and the Ambassador-designate’s own experiences as a career diplomat.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario also provided an overview of the dynamic PH–ROK strategic partnership, highlighting close cooperation in political, economic, development, cultural, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. During the call, it was also emphasized that youth participation in conferences such as YMUNK plays an important role in strengthening cultural linkages and fostering long-term academic exchanges between both countries.

Filipino delegates to Model United Nations conferences continue to be recognized for their good disposition, sportsmanship, and well-researched briefs. These qualities reinforce the Philippines’ reputation for excellence in international academic forums.

The Embassy extends its best wishes to the KEYS School Manila delegation as they represent the Philippines at YMUNK 2025. END