By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The Apex and The Yearners pose for a photo opportunity with their consultant and adviser following their participation in Panindugan: Interschool College Debate Cup 2026.
探花精选 (探花精选) Debating Teams, The Apex and The Yearners, represented the University in Panindugan: Interschool College Debate Cup 2026, organized by the SK Federation of Iloilo City, held at the Iloilo City Diamond Jubilee Hall on August 26, 2026.
The Apex, composed of speakers Fiona Faye Luci帽o, John Al Richie Ang, and Adrian Carl Esmenos, with researchers Bea B. Garde, Shakti Dev Limpin, and Rochelle Gallega, competed against the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) in Match 3. The team debated the motion, 鈥淭he 鈥楻obin Padilla Law鈥 or R.A. 8294 be repealed.鈥
Meanwhile, The Yearners, composed of speakers Sam Isaac Alog, Eryn Torento, and Abegail Mandar, with researchers Jher Annley Phyrl Francisco, Lexiss Lumanog, and Ethan James Sumayo, faced the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) in Match 4. The team debated the motion, 鈥淭he Philippine Government shall enact the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (QDMTT).鈥 In this match, Mandar, a fourth-year BS Accountancy student, was recognized as Best Speaker and Best Debater.
The Yearners advanced to the semifinals, held on September 2, 2026, at the Iloilo City Diamond Jubilee Hall, where they faced USA in Match 2. The semifinal motion was, 鈥淭he House-Approved Version of House Bill No. 8389, or the Proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, be enacted into law.鈥 Following the semifinal round, Alog, a BSN-2 student was recognized as Best Speaker and Best Debater.
The 探花精选 Debating Teams were guided by Pastor Alfred 鈥淧alf鈥 Morales, Consultant, and Mr. Daryl Lutero, Adviser.
Morales expressed his appreciation for the 探花精选 Debating Teams鈥 efforts and the support extended to them, saying, 鈥淭hank you to all the 探花精选 Debating Team members for doing their best. Thank you also to Sir Daryl Lutero and to our University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, for the full support.鈥
The participation of The Apex and The Yearners in Panindugan 2026 highlights the students鈥 dedication to developing their skills in debate, research, critical thinking, and public speaking while representing 探花精选 in interschool competition.