PUP College of Engineering Literhetoric Society

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

The hall stands open, its arches with names that seek to be heard.
From the gathering of scholars, one shall rise—carrying not a banner of silence, yet a mantle of speech, the 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐬𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬.

From today, THURSDAY (𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮4, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱), until 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 (𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱), the call resounds: weigh the worth of each bearer, feel the cadence of their pledge, and cast forth your verdict. Let every choice be carved with intent, for a voice chosen in haste shapes no legacy.

As the horns of judgment hum through these days, the gathering itself forges the chorus that will lead this era’s discourse.

📯 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 is the torch; your vote, the decree. Let it be deliberate, let it be true.

🔗 Cast your vote here:
https://forms.gle/e4igsWrVHRsVpATE7
https://forms.gle/e4igsWrVHRsVpATE7
https://forms.gle/e4igsWrVHRsVpATE7

𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹: 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼, 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿... 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿?

We all know Jose Rizal as a genius writer, doctor, and national hero… But what if we told you he also engineered a working water system—all while in exile? 😯

While in Dapitan, Rizal observed the community's struggle due to the lack of clean water. Though he had no formal training in engineering, he designed a gravity-powered water system using natural springs, bamboo tubes, and stone basins. The water flowed from the mountains of Talisay into homes and public fountains. No pumps. No machines. Just brilliant, thoughtful planning. 💡

What’s even more impressive is that the system worked efficiently and continued serving the community for years.

Rizal also wrote technical essays in Spanish on topics like engineering, agriculture, and science.

He wasn’t just a thinker. He was a doer, a problem-solver, and a true nation-builder.

Born June 19, 1861, Jose Rizal’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos more than 160 years later. 🇵🇭

References:
1. Climate Change Commission. (2023, June 19). Jose Rizal, a Filipino hydrologist and environmentalist ahead of his time. https://www.climate.gov.ph/news/517
2. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (2021, June 18). Flowing waters of Dapitan: Linao and Talisay waterworks. https://nhcp.gov.ph/flowing-waters-of-dapitan-linao-and-talisay-waterworks/

—
In line with this year’s theme, 'Through the Pages of Modern Reawakening', this trivia invites us to rediscover Dr. José Rizal not merely as a writer and reformist, but as a multidisciplinary thinker. As CELS continues to celebrate the power of words and intellect, we honor Rizal, whose legacy reminds us that true understanding leads not only to expression, but to meaningful action and lasting innovation.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨.

Team 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬 stood among sharp minds and stirring arguments in the recently concluded 𝐒𝐎𝐃 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, held last 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟗–𝟏𝟎 at the 𝐏𝐔𝐏 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝟒𝐅 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, where ideas collided and convictions were tested.

In the company of thinkers from beyond engineering, the experience became more than just a competition—it was also a chance to learn, to connect, and to prove that engineers, too, have a place in the arena of discourse.

Our heartfelt thanks to the PUP School of Debaters for the invitation and opportunity; to our mother org, the PUP College of Engineering Honors' Society; to our Debate Team Coach and our CELS 2025 Debate Lead; and to all who stood behind Praxis in this meaningful debut.

This was only the beginning.

𝙀𝙭𝘾𝙀𝙇𝙎𝙞𝙤𝙧, 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨.

Today, CELS marks its debut at SOD Cup 2025, representing the PUP College of Engineering in the British Parliamentary format.

With the support of the PUP College of Engineering Honors' Society, Team Praxis enters the clash — bringing thought, tenacity, and the voice of Intellectus to the floor.

ExCELSior, Praxis!

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘅𝗶𝘀 – 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 ⚙️🗣️

Representing the PUP College of Engineering in the British Parliamentary format, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐳𝐚 (𝐈𝐄) and 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 (𝐈𝐄) take the floor as the formidable duo of debaters at 𝐒𝐎𝐃 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓! With fresh perspectives from Claire and seasoned insight from James, Team Praxis is ready to bring intellect, insight, and impact to every round.

🗓 July 9–10, 2025
🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Accenture Room, 4F East Wing, PUP Manila

Support the team as they rise to the challenge and champion the power of discourse.

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬

Ahead of the big day, here is the official schedule of the tournament proceedings from Day 1 to Day 2.

So strap your vests, lace up your boots, and straighten up your hats, as we await your arrival at the venue. See you soon!

🌲𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗔𝗗𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗘🌲

As we step into the enchanting realm of the debate cup, we begin a journey deep into the forest of ideas—where every argument is a path, every clash a turning point, and every round a step closer to the misty mountains of wisdom. Guiding us through this adventure are the five seasoned minds, our very own Adjudication Core, who stand as the wise guardians of this intellectual terrain.

Like forest rangers who know every trail and whisper of the wind, they have wandered far and wide in the world of debate—as champions, adjudicators, and inspiration. They have weathered storms of rebuttal, crossed rivers of motion clashes, and stood tall on podium peaks.
Together, they form a compass for the SOD Cup. A sharp and fair judgment, that always looks out for the growth of every traveler in this debate expedition. What sets this adjcore apart is not just their credibility, but their passion for making debate a space that is challenging and enriching for everyone. They are known for giving precise, constructive feedback and deep understanding of what it means to argue with a path of purpose.

The adventure begins now. Get ready to learn, to grow, and to bring your best. Because when you speak, these five will be listening.

𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀
🌱Date: July 9 and 10, 2025
🌱Format: British Parliamentary
🌱Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🌱Venue: Accenture Room, 4th Floor,
🌱East Wing, PUP Manila Main Building
🌱Eligibility: Bona fide students of PUP Manila

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
https://forms.gle/vnpR8QfGmGjhMCwy9
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀, 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲:
https://drive.google.com/.../1WQEJiVSYdZ9U5oS.../view

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 🏔️

A journey through the forest of ideas, where minds are sharp like blades and every word echoes like a wind through the trees. Something returns, and this time, it’s not just a battle of wits — it’s an adventure. Are you ready to navigate the twists and turns of logic, persuasion, and wit?

Each round is a deeper trek into uncharted territory. With every argument you make, the fog lifts revealing truth, challenge, and the strength of your conviction. Opponents are not foes, but fellow travelers, each navigating the same rugged path with sharpened tongues and blazing ideas. 🍃
Whether you're a seasoned wanderer of words or a first-time explorer, this cup will test your direction, your clarity, and your courage in the realm where reason reigns.

Join us on this mysterious adventure where the journey is as thrilling as the victory. The SOD Cup 2025 awaits.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 🏔️

A journey through the forest of ideas, where minds are sharp like blades and every word echoes like a wind through the trees. Something returns, and this time, it’s not just a battle of wits — it’s an adventure. Are you ready to navigate the twists and turns of logic, persuasion, and wit?

Each round is a deeper trek into uncharted territory. With every argument you make, the fog lifts revealing truth, challenge, and the strength of your conviction. Opponents are not foes, but fellow travelers, each navigating the same rugged path with sharpened tongues and blazing ideas. 🍃

Whether you're a seasoned wanderer of words or a first-time explorer, this cup will test your direction, your clarity, and your courage in the realm where reason reigns.

Join us on this mysterious adventure where the journey is as thrilling as the victory. The SOD Cup 2025 awaits.

𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗔 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

They walk among us every day—quiet, unnoticed, but essential. The woman sweeping the streets before dawn while the city still sleeps. The man lifting sacks heavier than his worries, each drop of sweat a prayer for his family’s next meal. The teacher repeating the same lesson, not out of habit, but hope. The security guard who stays alert so others can sleep in peace. The nurse who stays behind after her shift ends because a life depends on it. This is labor. This is dignity.

And today, we remember what we often forget: that the world does not move because of the rich and powerful alone. It moves because of the calloused hands, the tired backs, and the unwavering will of workers who rarely get thanked. They are the farmers who feed us, the janitors who clean after us, the drivers who take us home, the builders who raise our cities, the cashiers who smile despite standing for hours. Yet how often do we see them? Truly see them?

And as we honor them today, let us also fight for them—fight for living wages, for safer working conditions, for equal opportunities. Let us build a society that uplifts every hand that builds, grows, heals, cleans, teaches, and serves. Because when we value our workers, we strengthen our future. When we protect labor, we protect the soul of the nation.

To work is to serve. To labor is to love. And to recognize workers is to honor humanity. So today, we raise our voices not just in celebration, but in solidarity.

To the laborers—named and unnamed, seen and unseen—you are the silent backbone of this nation.

Happy Labor Day.

—
Written by Marquisha Claire Samonteza (IE)

𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗔 | 𝗜𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻

Nalingat nga’y sa kahapong ‘di tumahan,
Kuyom ang kamao sa sangsang ng kapalaran.
Ina ng kalumanayan, tinig na yumao,
Lilang humahampas sa mahal na sombrero.

Sino nga ba’t para magduda?
Tiim sa duyang may saklay
Na yumayakap sa talulot na bugambilya,
Boses na hinagkan buhat sa hukay.

‘Kay rikit na mga saya,
O Ina, ang nagpamana yaong bakya,
Tugon ko’y nahihibang na’t mahiwaga—
Opo, siyang dalaga na iyong punla.

Sinumpang mahina ay pawang alamat,
Titigan mo’y nandarayong lakas sa alapaap.
Husto na! Walang babaeng walang pilat,
Hinuha niyo’y pantasyang namamalat.

Ihip namin ang inyong unang hangos,
Dagling bangungot sa damdaming nagpupuyos.
Tintang nangungubli sa kalangitan,
Maalimuom man ay masugong pipintahan.

Ano’t tampulan ng tukso ang kagandahan?
Mariing lagda sa hilaw na kakisigan.
Iwawasiwas pa ba ang inyong kadena?
Kung mahal kong pana’y nananangis ng sima?

Ingit nga’y upang magkunwaring ngisi,

Dinamayang mga alon sa pagkasawi.
Halina, ako’y bumaybay at umahon na Ina!
Opo, siyang dalaga na iyong punla.

____
Isinulat ni Jensel Abrio (IE)