Palawan college students exhibited their depth and knowledge on social issues gripping the country as they cross swords in the debate arena of Baragatan Festival’s 4th Juntajan Palawan Policy Debate organized by the Provincial Government of Palawan.
The top debaters wrestled on burning issues such as international diplomacy, War on Drugs, Train Law and others.
The Palawan State University College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (PSU CEAT) Team bested six others from the PSU College of Business and Accountancy, PSU College of Arts and Humanities, STI College, PSU CCRD Narra, PSU CCRD Bataraza, and PSU CCRD Quezon.
The winning team included Jonbon Francis Baguio, Neil Christiane Buenaobra, and Mary Krinzy Charm Bañadera. Joseph Guevarra was the team’s researcher.
Neil Christiane said they have prepared and honed their skills well before facing the battle.
“We had some brainstorming activities on what topic will come out in the event. Which to be honest, none of what we prepared for came out in the debate, but at least it served as our warmup for critical thinking and speaking skill in the competition,” Neil Christiane quipped.
In the semifinals, the students debated on the hot topics of War on Drugs and Train Law.
PSU CAH and PSU CCRD Narra argued on the proposition to resolve that, “The actions to be taken by the Republic of the Philippines under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte clearly indicate that the government is winning in its fight against drugs.”
PSU CCRD Narra won the semis and faced the winning team on the topic, “The Republic of the Philippines under the administration of the President Rodrigo Duterte will benefit from having a female diplomat that will represent the country in order to strengthen its relation with other nations.”
On the hand, the Train Law was deliberated by PSU CEAT and STI College, specifically whether “The implementation of Republic Act 10963 or Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train Law) improves the Economic Stability in the Philippines.”
Neil Christiane said that the event “encourages the students of Palawan to be critical and to discuss important national and local issues that will be beneficial to Palawan in the long term.”
“It is important to show to the public that being involved with societal issues is something to be proud for it helps our policy makers to make better decision for our society. Always remember to never be ashamed of your opinion even we are in a society that loved to smart shame,” Neil Christiane concluded.
The PSU CEAT team are all Petroleum Engineering Students and are in their 4th year.
The debate was held at the NCCC Mall, Puerto Princesa City last June 21-22, 2018.