The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) continues to strengthen its commitment to global competence and quality education as BS Legal Management student Ethan Gabriel D. Ages earned the Most Diplomatic Award at the Philippine Model ASEAN Meeting (PHMAM) Plus Three Simulation 2026, held from January 12 to 15, 2026.
Ages was selected from over 40 delegates nationwide to represent Brunei Darussalam under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) pillar, where he demonstrated outstanding diplomacy, negotiation skills, and collaborative leadership. His performance distinguished him as the sole recipient of the Most Diplomatic Award, a recognition given to the delegate who best exemplifies professionalism, consensus-building, and effective representation in regional discussions.
PHMAM Plus Three Simulation 2026 is a national youth diplomacy conference that simulates official ASEAN and ASEAN Plus Three proceedings. The activity is organized by an independent, student-led committee and is officially endorsed and supported by the ASEAN Foundation, providing participants with a realistic platform to engage in policy discussions following ASEAN protocols.
In preparation for the simulation, Ages devoted extensive time to research and role immersion, beginning one to two months before the event. “Research is the most crucial part of my preparation. It laid the foundation of what I would say, what I would agree or disagree on,” he shared. He explained that he immersed himself in Brunei Darussalam’s national context, policies, and cultural considerations, particularly on the AEC’s central discussion topic, the maritime economy. Alongside academic preparation, Ages emphasized the importance of confidence, noting that “what would the knowledge do if you did not have the confidence to speak it up.”
During the simulation, Ages was appointed Head of Government (HOG) for Brunei Darussalam, a role that required him to lead negotiations and uphold national positions in high-level discussions. He identified consensus-building as the most challenging aspect of the conference, recalling extended debates with other member states. “Debating and reaching a consensus where all parties benefit was the most challenging part of that journey by far,” he said, underscoring the complexity of diplomacy in a multicultural and multi-interest environment.
Through the experience, Ages developed key competencies essential to legal and diplomatic practice, including public speaking, critical thinking, and performance under pressure. He noted that diplomacy involves more than negotiation skills, explaining that “every diplomat wants regional cooperation, but sometimes they are bound by tradition and religion – and that is what makes it hard, but also what makes it beautiful, because they are really fighting for their people.”
Receiving the Most Diplomatic Award marked a significant milestone in his academic journey. “Being the sole delegate receiving this award means that I have represented my country to its great extent, and I am highly honored,” Ages said. He added that the experience directly supports his preparation for a career in Legal Management by enhancing his advocacy skills and professional confidence. The simulation also affirmed the university’s values, as he described the experience as a reflection of the university’s vision, mission, and goals, motivating him to further pursue excellence.
Ages’ achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which emphasizes inclusive and equitable education and the development of relevant skills for global citizenship. By supporting student participation in international and policy-driven academic simulations, UBLC continues to provide transformative learning experiences that prepare students for leadership roles in regional and global contexts.
As UBLC continues to champion academic excellence and international engagement, the university recognizes achievements such as that of Ethan Gabriel D. Ages as a testament to its commitment to nurturing globally competent, socially responsible, and future-ready graduates.