Josenian Debatistas named champions at 5th VUBP tournament

CEBU CITY–The debate team of the University of San Jose-Recoletos champed the 5th Visayas Universities Debate Championship – British Parliamentary (VUBP) held in Dumaguete City.

Both the college and senior high teams were hailed overall champion in their respective categories.  Individual awards were also given.

SENIOR HIGH DIVISION

Grand Champions

• Aaron Alcuitas – Overall Best Speaker
• Brylle Abella- 2nd Overall Best Speaker, Finals Best Speaker

Grand Finalists

• Garfield Greg Lim- 8th Overall Best Speaker
• Kirby Alex Milan- 7th Overall Best Speaker

Semi-finalists

• Ashley Mandal- 9th Overall Best Speaker
• Vernon Tan

COLLEGE DIVISION

Grand Champions

• Jade Angelique Alcomendras – Best Speaker of the Finals, Overall Best Speaker
• Kristoffer Francis Milan- Overall Best Speaker

Grand Finalists

• Linoel Hahn Lantaca- 4th Best Speaker
• Stacey Marie Castañares- 9th Best Speaker

Reserved Break

• Clark Peter Castillo – 7th Best Speaker
• Angelou Gudian – 9th Best Speaker

The competition was held on October 25 to 27 at Silliman University.

It was the third time that the Senior High Debastistas competed and won the championship. The same goes with the College Debatistas. It was their fourth time to compete and win the tournament. This makes them the grand champion for four consecutive years.

Their opponents in the finals were UP Visayas Ilo-Ilo and UP Visayas Miagao. The Josenian Debastistas described their experience as tough and challenging.

“One of the biggest challenges that I encountered was facing my opponents because I considered them as veterans in the debate,” said Alcomendras.

The team had a courtesy visit at the Office of the University President on November 29, 2019.

After this achievement, the Josenian Debatistas together with their coach Mr. Philip Hope Mamugay are on their feet for a national tournament that will be held at the Philippine Science High School in Butuan City.