12/06/2025
Feature: Far Eastern University (FEU) COMMplifiers emerged as one of the top 15 finalists in the prestigious Communications Olympiad 2025.
The Communications Olympiad is a nationwide competition and training program for college students in communication-related fields, organized by COMCO School of Communications and IABC Philippines.
FEU COMMplifiers made it to the Top 15 finalists after a multi-phase selection process. Their journey began with the Qualifiers Phase, where they submitted a position paper that earned them a spot in the Top 30. The team then joined three training sessions, followed by a 24-hour Hackathon Challenge, where they were tasked to develop a comprehensive communication plan—the main basis for selecting the Top 15.
In an interview with FEU NewsDotCOMM, second-year Communication Convergent Media track student and project leader Johanna Cien Rivera shared the team’s reaction upon learning they made it to the Top 15.
“Honestly, we were all so happy and proud. I personally really aimed for us to make it to the Top 15, so knowing that our hard work paid off, especially against schools from all over the Philippines, was a huge moment for us. We did our best, and to be recognized like that made everything worth it,” she said.
Another team member also shared their thoughts on the achievement.
Elisha Ruth Bulaon, a second-year Communication student under the Convergent Media track and the team’s Lead Presenter, shared her reaction.
“I felt relieved and excited when I learned about our current Top 15 placement. Knowing that our co-Olympians are from esteemed universities, I knew we had to step up our game and give it our best until the grand championship,” she expressed.
Team Adviser Dr. Augustus Ceasar Latosa detailed his mentoring approach, for the elimination round, he challenged them to tackle climate change through the lens of marginalized communities, leading them to focus on the overlooked plight of Suludnon farmers in the Visayas. Emphasizing a data-driven and well-structured position paper, he pushed for multiple revisions, helping the team refine their work until it was competition-ready. He also conducted a crash course on communication planning since the students hadn’t taken the subject formally.
Dr. Latosa attributes the team’s success to their discipline and strong leadership, noting how Cien’s sense of responsibility and organization was complemented by her team’s creativity, work ethic, and commitment to collaboration. He shared that they embraced his vision, ensuring that every part of their output was thoughtfully connected—like a garland symbolizing their collective effort.
The team is composed of Project Leader Johanna Cien Rivera, Lead Presenter Elisha Ruth Bulaon, Writer Angelo Lalalan, Head Designer Rafael De Ramos, and Researcher John Carlo Manalo.
A live event will be held on June 27 for the recognition of individual awards and the Communications Olympiad Grand Championship.
✍️: Honey Rose Uy
With reports from Karylle Perez
Photo courtesy of Team COMMplifiers
