Leyte Colleges - Political Science Department

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 | The Political Science Debating Society (PSDS) held the Constitution & By-Laws Signing and Announcement of Newly Appointed PSDS Officers for the A.Y 2026-2027 on March 11, 2026, at the Leyte Colleges Paterno, Moot Court.

The program commenced with the official signing of the Constitution and By-Laws by the officers, formalizing their commitment to the organization’s guiding principles. Following this important ceremonial act, attendees were deeply moved by heartfelt messages delivered by PSDS Adviser Baltazar L. Gagap Jr., J.D., and PSDS President Rocel C. Baron, who both expressed their vision and gratitude.

The much-anticipated highlight of the event was the announcement of the newly appointed officers for Academic Year 2026-2027. The event concluded with a commemorative photo opportunity, capturing the spirit of the leadership of the former and the new PSDS Officers.

| 📷: Kyle Dela Peña, 🖋️: Jessamine Joy Mercado, 📗: La Diurna Politica

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | The Supreme Student Council (SSC) successfully held Obra Basura: Trashion Show 2026 on March 4, 2026, at the Leyte Colleges, San Jose Campus Activity Center. The program began exactly at 1pm in the afternoon.

Hosted by Antonio Belanigue and his co-host, the event carried a clear and meaningful message: trash is not always useless. When given creativity and purpose, discarded materials can become something valuable. The hosts encouraged everyone to practice recycling, and to see waste as an opportunity to create something beautiful and sustainable. The show strongly reminded the community that caring for the environment begins with simple and intentional actions.

Four colleges took part in the competition. Each department presented designs made from recyclable and reusable materials, proving that fashion can also serve as a platform for environmental advocacy.

The College of Arts and Sciences stood out with the confident runway walk of Ms. Rica Jane Mansanade and Mr. Denzelle Umil. Their outfits were mainly made from disposable plates, spoons, forks, and trash bags; materials often thrown away, but transformed into impressive garments through creativity and teamwork.

After all presentations, the distinguished panel of judges carefully evaluated each entry. Everyone eagerly waited as the judges finalized their decisions.

The CAS successfully secured one award along with a placement in the event:

🏅Audience Choice Award
🥉 Second Runner-Up
Male and Female Category

Trashion Show 2026 was more than a competition. It was a statement. It proved that creativity has power, and that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. Through this event, the student body demonstrated that even simple materials can create a strong impact when guided by purpose and unity.

| 📷: Brexyl Sicadsicad, 🖋️: Jan Laraine Esperas, 📗: La Diurna Politica

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 | Political Science Debating Society Holds Interdepartmental Debate 2026

On February 28, 2026, the Political Science Debating Society (PSDS) conducted the Interdepartmental Debate at the Leyte Colleges San Jose Campus Activity Center. The program commenced at exactly 1:00 in the afternoon, gathering students, faculty members, and invited adjudicators for an intellectually engaging event.

The activity was facilitated by Mr. Antonio Belanigue. The PSDS President, Ms. Rocel Baron, delivered her Welcome Remarks, setting an energetic and competitive tone for the afternoon. The PSDS Adviser and CAS Department Head, Mr. Baltazar Gagap Jr., J.D., formally opened the program by welcoming the participants and distinguished panel of judges. In his message, he emphasized the importance of debate in strengthening analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and public speaking skills among students. He also highlighted that this marked the first time that all academic programs in Leyte Colleges were mandated to participate, in compliance with the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum on the observance of National Anti-Hazing Prevention.

The facilitator then presented the criteria for judging and introduced the adjudicators: Mr. Jaime Gravador, Mr. Eusmar C. Nalcot, and Mr. Leo Christian V. Lauzon.

The debate proper became the highlight of the event, featuring timely and controversial propositions. The first motion debated was: “The nullity and waiver of consent provision in the anti-hazing acts violates an adult’s freedom of association and choice.” The second proposition stated: “The conviction of hazing should result in automatic and permanent revocation of any professional license held by the perpetrator.”

The first proposition was debated by representatives from the College of Business Administration and the College of Arts and Sciences, with both sides presenting their arguments on the motion. The second proposition was debated by the College of Education and the College of Criminal Justice, with each team defending their respective positions. Each team demonstrated strong arguments, logical reasoning, and strategic rebuttals, making the rounds highly competitive and intellectually stimulating.

The program was further enlivened by musical performances from Mr. Dave Mercado and Ms. Angel Rose Potazo for a duet, and Mr. Brexyl Sicadsicad for solo, of the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as Mr. Railey Joshua B. Dangco and Mr. Hanz Ranier D. Campo of the College of Criminal Justice.

Certificates were awarded to all debaters in recognition of their participation and dedication. After deliberation, the colleges that advanced to the championship round were announced: the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Criminal Justice.

The final head-to-head debate centered on the proposition: “Euthanasia be legalized for terminally ill patients.”

Representing the Affirmative side were:
Necessity: Rachel Docena
Beneficiality: Aaron Joseph Salazar
Practicability: Alissa Cabug-os

Representing the Negative side were:
Necessity: Jacob Relativo
Beneficiality: B-yan Parina
Practicability: Jovan Colete

Both teams delivered compelling arguments, showcasing depth of research, ethical analysis, and policy evaluation. The exchange of rebuttals was particularly intense, reflecting the students’ mastery of argumentation and critical discourse.

After careful evaluation by the adjudicators, the Champion of the Interdepartmental Debate 2026 was declared as the Negative Side – College of Criminal Justice🏆, while the First Runner-Up was the College of Arts and Sciences.🥇

Individual major awards were also presented:

🥇Best Speaker and Best Debater – Jacob Ballos Relativo

🥇Best Rebuttalist – Aaron Joseph Salazar

The Interdepartmental Debate 2026 concluded as a successful academic endeavor that promoted intellectual engagement, awareness of pressing societal issues, and responsible discourse among students. It strengthened camaraderie among departments while fostering critical thinking, respectful discourse, and leadership among students.

The success of this event reflects the dedication and hard work of the organizers, participants, and adjudicators. Special appreciation is extended to the Political Science Debating Society (PSDS) for spearheading an initiative that empowers students to engage in meaningful dialogue on relevant societal issues.

| 📷: Kyle Dela Peña, Ivan Serrano, 🖋️: Jan Laraine Esperas, Kay Harriet Pinangay, 🖼️: Eugine Gade, 📗: La Diurna Politica

On this special day, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Politikons extend our warmest wishes to our La Diurna Politica Videographer, Mr. 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀. 🎂

This occasion is a moment to recognize not only your another year in your journey, but also your continued dedication, service and commitment to those you lead 🎖️.

May the year ahead bring you good health, continued personal growth, academic success, and new opportunities to further develop your skills and leadership. We wish you a year filled with purpose and achievements.

⚖️✨

We warmly invite all departments of Leyte Colleges to come and support their respective representatives in the Interdepartmental Debate Competition on February 28, 2026 at the Activity Center, starting at 1:00 PM.

Let us foster a culture of critical thinking, respectful discourse, and departmental solidarity. Your encouragement will surely inspire our debaters to give their best performance. See you there!



| 🖼️🖋️: Rocel Baron, 📗: Political Science Debating Society

𝐄𝐃𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐓 𝟒𝟎 🇵🇭

The revolution did not conclude. It continues to exist whenever we choose 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, we mark a significant historical milestone that reshaped the Philippine political system and governance structures. This observance gives us an opportunity to revisit the political consequences of the events of 1986.

As Politikons, we recognize the importance of historical political transitions in understanding state power, and public accountability. The evolving relationship between the state and its citizens.




| 🖼️: Eugine Gade, 📗: La Diurna Politica

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 | 𝐏𝐒𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

On February 22, 2026, the Political Science Debating Society (PSDS) conducted a Debate Orientation at the Moot Court of Leyte Colleges–Paterno Campus. The activity was organized in preparation for the upcoming interdepartmental debate involving the COE, the CBOA, the COCJ, and the CAS. The orientation aimed to familiarize the participants with the debate process and that all representatives were well-prepared for the competition.

Before the formal start of the program, Ms. Rocel Baron, the PSDS Prime Minister, requested all participants and officers present to introduce themselves one by one. This allowed everyone to recognize their fellow participants.

The program officially began with a detailed discussion of the debate format, including the structure of the rounds, the roles of the speakers, and the rules to be observed during the debate. The facilitators also emphasized the dos and don’ts in debating and highlighted important considerations to maintain order, fairness, and professionalism. Which provided the participants with a clear overview of what to expect during the actual debate. To further enhance their understanding, a mock trial was conducted. Participants were shuffled and grouped with representatives from different departments to simulate the actual debate setting. This activity allowed them to practice delivering arguments, responding to opposing views, and following the proper debate flow.

The program then proceeded with the assignment of debate topics and the designation of sides through a coin toss to ensure impartiality and transparency.

Before the conclusion of the program, Ms. Rocel Baron provided her observations and feedback on the participants’ performance, noting areas for improvement and commendable points. Ms. Meralene Katangkatang, VP for Membership and Admissions, and Mr. Jophel Mabula, VP for Internal Affairs, also shared their insights and suggestions to help the participants refine their debating skills.

| 📷🖋️: Kyle Dela Peña, 🖼️: Eugine Gade, 📗: La Diurna Politica

𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 : 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐘

On February 20, 2026 the College of Arts and Sciences successfully conducted its Student Election, at the Sta. Cruz Campus. This democratic exercise reflects the students’ active participation in choosing leaders who will represent their voice, uphold their interests, and serve with integrity and accountability.

We extend our appreciation to all candidates, voters, and election committees for ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral process.

May the duly elected student leaders carry out their mandates with honor, transparency, and a steadfast dedication to the welfare of the College and its constituents.

| 📷: Jade Aira Doculan, COMELEC,
Kyle Dela Peña, 🖋️: Juvenelle Adrales, 📗: La Diurna Politica

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 | 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐒 🗳️

The voice of the Politikons has once again been heard in the recently concluded Piniliay 2026!




| 🖊️: College of Arts and Sciences Commision on Elections 🗳️,
| 🖼️: La Diurna Politica 📗

On this special day, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Politikons extend our warmest wishes to our La Diurna Politica Social Media Manager, Ms. 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗼. 🎂

This occasion is a moment to recognize not only your another year in your journey, but also your continued dedication, service and commitment to those you lead 🎖️.

May the year ahead bring you good health, continued personal growth, academic success, and new opportunities to further develop your skills and leadership. We wish you a year filled with purpose and achievements.

⚖️✨

📣 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄

Today, February 19, 2026 (2pm) marks the start of the Election Silence period. All forms of campaigning and political endorsements are strictly prohibited as we uphold fairness, respect, and integrity in the electoral process.

Let us use this time to reflect carefully on the platforms and qualifications of each candidate. May we exercise our right to vote wisely, responsibly, and with the best interest of the student body in mind.

Here is a brief message from the CAS Commision on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson, Ms. Juvenelle Adrales:

"To my fellow Politikons, As we observe election silence, I encourage everyone to remain neutral, respectful, and mindful of the rules. May this period guide us to vote with wisdom, integrity, and genuine concern for our student community.”

🖼️: Kyle Dela Peña, 🖋️: Juvenelle Adrales, 📗: La Diurna Politica