By Antonio Luis Carreon

Far Eastern University’s (FEU) representatives from the Oratorical and Debate Council (FEU-ORADEC) secured a win in the virtual competition—Sinag Cup Finals of the Philippine Intercollegiate Debating Championship (PIDC) last August 7 to 8, 2021.  

After a 5-4 split in favor of FEU Team A, they were announced as winners last Sunday.

FEU Team A consisting of Johanna Trisha Cinco, Remle Kate Cadelina, and Isaac Bagalawis competed against Ateneo de Naga in the grand finals, later clinching the grand title after their last national championship award in 2013.   

“The fact that after seven years of drought, our organization was once again able to take home a championship in a national competition,” Cinco recalled the significance of their win.

Before advancing, they contended against the University of San Jose – Recoletos in the semi-finals for a spot in Sinag Cup’s final stage.  

For the final stage, under the opposing house, the team presented a case on ‘how implementing a cap on skill-based emigration workers in developing worlds like the Philippines is tantamount to crippling [the] majority of the people on the ground from ever achieving financial security.’ 

Despite their impressive feat, the team expressed their struggles with schedule, morale, and academics; all of which have challenged them during their preparation.

“Other than representing the organization and being debaters; we’re students first. And it was very hard to pick a priority between our other responsibilities and debate,” Cinco said.

Moreover, they recalled that the online setup of their six-month training by themselves and other institutions before the competition made it more crucial. 

Acknowledging their grit amidst such challenges, Cadelina said “it showed not only our capabilities as debaters, but the fact that it happened during the pandemic made it a little bit more special.”

As a message to students aspiring to excel in debate, the team advised the importance of having resolve, self-belief, and being open to criticisms and improvement.

The PIDC is a national Asian Parliamentary competition that occurs annually that provides an avenue for the country’s debaters to showcase their skills in public speaking and debate.  

(Photo courtesy of FEU Team A)