Bouncing back from last year’s defeat, the Ateneo Debate Varsity (ADV) secured the grand championship title during the 48th Mindanao Parliamentary Debate Championship (MPDC).
Fourth College Breaking Team AdDU FL, composed of French Bandong and Lorrhaine Baintin, was awarded as the grand champions in a consensus decision in the final round.
Finals best speaker and Mindanao’s fourth best speaker Lorrhaine Baintin reflected on the significance of her win, highlighting it as a testament to her growth with the University’s debate varsity.
“Being a Mindanao Champion is one of the many testaments of the growth I’ve had with ADV. It gives me a sense of fulfillment to know I have reached the crux of Mindanao debating after putting in much of my time and effort for it,” Baintin said.
French Bandong, who also competed in the grandfinals in the 47th MPDC, shared how the tournament is a reclaiming chance to win the championship for the institution and, at the same time, an opportunity to redeem oneself’s belief as a debater.
“At some tournaments you won, you are regarded as the partner of this person, at some you feel more than that. This MPDC, it did not matter. As I retire from debating, I wanted to win this one not just as a closing for my debate career but for the next ones to follow,” Bandong, who was also fourth best speaker of the tournament, said.
AdDU JE, composed of Jhoanna Cayanan (7th best speaker of the tournament) and Edrian Nabos (3rd best speaker of the tournament), also vied for the coveted championship, finishing their 48th MPDC run as grandfinalists.
On the other hand, AdDU HR, composed of John Henson Sanchez and Rafael Clet reached quarterfinals, while AdDU AS (Aika Rosete and Sung Goon Acosta) and AdDU AG (Aaron Macias and Gab Duguil) reached pre-quarterfinals. AdDU NJ (Nurhata Mizhuari and Joie Garces) was also the second college reserved breaking team.
Competing adjudicators Rikk Nalzaro (overall best judge), Lance Simon Pinpin (5th best judge) and Keara Jacosalem (10th best judge), and Giveth Singco also bagged adjudicator awards.
Back in full face-to-face debate setting
Apart from their success in the tournament, ADV also hosted this year’s MPDC, marking the event’s first fully face-to-face setting following a five-year period of online tournaments since the pandemic.
ADV President Jhoanna Cayanan shared how the transition marked a significant difference in bringing back the traditional debating experience that participants had been longing for.
“The pandemic took away many elements of this experience, but hosting and participating in a face-to-face tournament allowed us to transition back to the vibrant, engaging environment we missed, making it even more memorable,” Cayanan told Atenews.
“Meeting friends in person who were previously known only online, and having conversations with people from different Mindanao institutions between debate rounds, reinforced the idea that debate is not just a sport but a community.”
Debate scholarship for new Mindanawon debaters
Furthermore, as part of this year’s initiatives, the Mindanao Parliamentary Debate Union (MPDU) offered a full scholarship grant that covered the entire registration fee for new aspiring debaters.
MPDU President French Bandong said that the initiative is to make debate more accessible and inclusive, inspiring a culture of academic discourse and growth within the Mindanao debating community.
“By creating more opportunities, especially for those clubs that produce constraints financially and logistically, it builds a culture of empathy and belongingness to the Mindanao debate rooms.”
Lyceum of the Philippines – Davao Lycean Debate Union member Dave Villasan expressed his gratitude and shared how the scholarship fosters equal opportunities for debaters in Mindanao, regardless of their financial background.
“I am very much grateful for this opportunity, as it has not only provided financial support but also a sense of purpose and encouragement to strive for excellence,” Villasan said.
“The scholarship alleviates this burden, enabling talented individuals, including my partner and me, to participate without the constraint of financial limitations,” Villasan added.
The 48th MPDC was held at Ateneo de Davao University from July 19–20, while the grandfinals and awarding were held at the Ritz Hotel on July 21, 2024.