02/03/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | 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: โThe nullity and waiver of consent provision in the anti-hazing acts violates an adultโs freedom of association and choice.โ The second proposition stated: โThe conviction of hazing should result in automatic and permanent revocation of any professional license held by the perpetrator.โ
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: โEuthanasia be legalized for terminally ill patients.โ
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 studentsโ 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 โ College of Criminal Justice๐, while the First Runner-Up was the College of Arts and Sciences.๐ฅ
Individual major awards were also presented:
๐ฅBest Speaker and Best Debater โ Jacob Ballos Relativo
๐ฅBest Rebuttalist โ 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.
| ๐ท: Kyle Dela Peรฑa, Ivan Serrano, ๐๏ธ: Jan Laraine Esperas, Kay Harriet Pinangay, ๐ผ๏ธ: Eugine Gade, ๐: La Diurna Politica
