By Jessa Joyce I Tamiok, Moderator of the Xavier Debate Circle
Two of three Xavier Ateneo teams were able to advance in the semifinals in the high school bracket in the Mindanao Parliamentary Debate Championship held at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City from September 21 to 23. They competed against 80 teams in the different universities, colleges, and high schools all over Mindanao.
The XU Senior High School representatives were composed of three teams and one adjudicator: Alfe Angelica Padla from G12-Nicholson and Sohaile Magandia G11-Pesch comprised the XUSHS A; Jose Elis Quir Navarro from G12-Aimerich and Eunjin Lee from G11-Demetrio comprised the XUSHS B; Paulaine Xyna Sagrado from G11-Pesch and Ben Alec Austria from G11-Demetrio comprised the XUSHS C; and Blessila Altheia Quitor as the adjudicator.
Only XUSHS B and XUSHS C proceeded to the semifinals in the high school bracket. Two of the XUSHS debaters were also awarded as best speakers, namely, Alfe Angelica Padla as 2nd Best Speaker and Jose Elis Quir Navarro as 5th Best Speaker.
With focus and determination, the teams reached this far in the competition to bring honor to the school.∎