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UC Speech and Debate Society, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City (2026)

04/12/2025

𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗘 | Oriana Holds Major Roles in Kontra-Korap Cup and Habitat Debate Open

The University of the Cordilleras Speech and Debate Society proudly congratulates its member, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗜𝗜𝗜, for his participation and leadership in the 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮-𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗽 𝗖𝘂𝗽, organized by Kamalig Debate Tournaments and Talaksik Debates, held online on September 27–28, 2025.

♠️ Mario Oriana III served as a 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, marking the first time a member of the organization has been part of a tournament’s core adjudication panel. Along with his co-CAP, he was responsible for crafting motions, facilitating judge allocations, and ensuring high-quality adjudication throughout the competition. Oriana helped facilitate more than 40 rooms, accommodating over 160 teams and more than 640 participants. KKC serves as one of the biggest Philippine tournaments in recent times.

♠️ He also volunteered as part of the 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲, where he spearheaded all creative work, contributing significantly to the branding, materials, and overall visual identity of the tournament.

ℹ️ 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗞𝗞𝗖 | The Kontra-Korap Cup was not only a debate competition but a unified call to end impunity, social injustice, and corruption—issues brought further into focus by the recent unveiling of massive government budget misuse and the blatant stealing of public funds by actors across multiple government agencies.

Beyond the competitive rounds, the tournament mobilized a strong collective stand against corruption, gathering 350+ individual signatures and endorsements from 35+ organizations through a united statement demanding accountability and decisive action. Read the complete statement here: tinyurl.com/KKC2025-Statement

The Kontra-Korap Cup also invited speakers with extensive backgrounds to lead deeper discussions, creating spaces that explored the complex nuances of corruption. These talks focused on reframing debate as a form of resistance, examining how the state weaponizes the law and is complicit in police brutality, and revisiting the historical trajectory of the Philippine debate circuit to better contextualize today’s systemic challenges.

———

The Society also congratulates Oriana for representing the university at the 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻, organized by TalakSIk Debates and held online from November 29–30, 2025. The Habitat Debate Open is another advocacy-centered tournament, this time focusing on animal welfare as its core theme.

♠️ Oriana once again served as a 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, taking part in crafting motions and guiding adjudication throughout the tournament. Oriana helped facilitate more than 25 rooms with more than 250 participants.

♠️ He also held the role of 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, handling logistics before, during, and after the tournament. He additionally oversaw all creative work, ensuring that event materials, announcements, and overall presentation were cohesive and visually engaging.

ℹ️ 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗗𝗢 | The Habitat Debate Open was a competition dedicated to raising funds for the Philippine Animal Rescue Team, combining advocacy with passion in debate. The tournament invited a professional, Gregg Yan, to deliver a talk titled “It’s Not Just Climate Change: The Bigger Picture of Conservation,” which explored the nuances of endangered species and the urgent need to protect them.

Beyond competitive debating, the event also amplified visibility for critically endangered animals through online information-sharing initiatives, all while ensuring that debate remained accessible and of high quality for participants.

———

Through these roles, Oriana continues to bring pride to UC SPADES and the University of the Cordilleras by demonstrating leadership, service, and dedication to furthering meaningful, advocacy-based discourse in the debate community.

Amplify your voice,
Defy the odds!

04/12/2025

𝗟𝗔𝗪 𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗘 | UC SPADES Member Breaks at Inter-Law School HR Debate

The University of the Cordilleras Speech and Debate Society proudly congratulates its member who participated in the 4th Inter-Law School Human Rights Debate Tournament, organized by the Human Rights Institute CHR in Quezon City, November 29 to December 1, 2025.

The Inter-Law School HR Debate is an annual tournament that brings together top law students to champion justice and human rights. It invites participants to showcase their advocacy, sharp reasoning, and wit through debates that challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful action.

♠️ Crisjo Cadsap (Juris Doctor I), together with his teammates Denmark Velasquez and Silas Cosil, ranked as the 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 and concluded their journey as 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀.

Amplify your voice,
Defy the odds!

03/12/2025

𝗨𝗖 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Last November 29 at the UC Theater during this year’s Mass Induction, the University of the Cordilleras Speech and Debate Society was awarded Best Non-Academic Organization for the academic year 2024–2025. The award highlights the group’s strong lineup of events and activities last year, including Ugnayan UCian, the Sinnungbat Cup 2024, and its participation in competitions such as the CHR Spoken Word Poetry, the Baguio Debate Cup, the CIDA Novice Cup, and many more.

The Best Non-Academic Organization award is given to the group that creates the biggest positive impact both inside the campus and in the community—and this year, UC SPADES truly stood out.

Throughout the year, SPADES worked hard to create meaningful events, build student skills, and represent the university in various competitions. Members also collaborated with other UC organizations and local partners, helping strengthen the school’s presence in debates, public speaking, and advocacy-related activities.

The Society recognizes this is a proud moment. It reflects their dedication, teamwork, and passion for helping students grow and express themselves. The award also inspires the organization to continue improving and making even bigger contributions in the coming year.

With this win, UC SPADES celebrates not just an award but a reminder of what students can achieve when they come together with purpose and commitment.

Amplify your voice,
Defy the odds!

24/11/2025

𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 | Grand Finals Results!

With the motion “TH prefers a model of Indigenous complete self-governance over state-led inclusion programs,” and after a dynamic round delivered by our Grand Finalists, a team has emerged victorious! We proudly celebrate the 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻 (Juris Doctor) and 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 (College of Accounting). Your teamwork, clarity, and exceptional argumentation shone through to claim the title.

A huge shoutout as well to our 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿, 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼 (College of Engineering), whose outstanding performance, confidence, and depth of analysis elevated the round and captivated the entire panel. You have truly set the bar high! 🏆✨

Your hard work, passion, and commitment to the craft of debating inspire the entire community. Congratulations—you’ve earned this victory!

Amplify Your Voice,
Defy the Odds!

24/11/2025

𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 | Speaker, Judge, and Special Awardees!

To every novice debater who chose to show up despite the nerves, to every judge who chose to pay consistent attention to the many multiple lengthy speeches, and to all swing speakers who chose to debate despite the demands of academics—congratulations!

A special shout-out to this year's 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿, 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗷𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗮𝗽 (College of Law), and 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗲, 𝗣𝗮𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻 (College of Engineering) and 𝗝𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗼-𝗶𝗻 (College of Arts and Sciences).

Your dedication brought this tournament to life. From powerful speeches and thoughtful adjudications to the individuals who went the extra mile in their roles, each of you played an essential role in making Sinnungbat 2025 a success.

Thank you for your grit, passion, and excellence. This community thrives because of people like you. Here’s to more debates, more growth, and more unforgettable moments. Congratulations to all! 🎖️✨

Amplify Your Voice,
Defy the Odds!

22/11/2025

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 | UC SPADES Maintains its 3-year Streak at the CHR Spoken Word Poetry Contest 💪♠️🕊️

The University of the Cordilleras Speech and Debate Society is absolutely bursting with pride and joy to celebrate one of our own!

A massive and heartfelt congratulations to 𝗠𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗹 for achieving a remarkable feat, landing herself in the 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝟭𝟬 of the highly prestigious 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🎉✨

On November 18, 2025, Mhel stepped onto the national stage, showcasing her incredible talent and passion in the spoken word category, going head-to-head with fierce contenders from across the country. Her performance was a powerful display of artistry and courage.

Mhel, we send you the loudest cheers and the warmest wishes! Your bravery in tackling this national competition and using your voice to share such important poetry is truly inspiring. You've made the entire UC SPADES community proud!

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗠𝗵𝗲𝗹! 🎤✨

Amplify your voice,
Defy the odds!

22/11/2025

𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗕𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 | Breaks Announcement!

After five thought-provoking topics: From debating whether it is correct to bash criminology students online and justified to have relationships with artificial intelligence to delving into more serious issues like the corporate takeover of public markets, the value of domestic labor, and the nuance that comes with international relations, 𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 of Sinnungbat Cup 2025!

Furthermore, the 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁-𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀have earned the honor of serving on the panel that 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. The Society proudly congratulates all competing debaters and judges. Don't celebrate just yet—one final round! We wish you luck, and may the sharpest responses, strongest case, and compelling points take the championship.

We extend commiserations to all the rest who gave the Sinnungbat Cup their best shot. Your efforts are not in vain. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, challenge your biases, and take the floor despite the nerves proved that you also claimed victory in your own way.

In alphabetical order, here are the Grand Finalists for this year's SBC! Hear! Hear!

Amplify your voice,
Defy the odds!

21/11/2025

𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝟱 | Sinnungbat Cup 2025

[Infoslide] The principle of "non-interference" refers to the policy that no ASEAN member-state should interfere with the internal and external decisions and affairs of other participating member-states, even when these decisions aren't aligned with
the best interest of the region.

[Theme] International Relations
𝗧𝗛𝗕𝗧 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Amplify Your Voice,
Defy the Odds!

20/11/2025

𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝟰 | Sinnungbat Cup 2025

[Infoslide] In this debate, a “companion” refers to an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to simulate human-like companionship. These companions possess hyper-realistic physical forms and advanced emotional responsiveness. Owners of these companions can customize their traits, personality, appearance, voice, and behavior.

[Theme] Romance
𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗧𝗛𝗪 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻.

Amplify Your Voice,
Defy the Odds!

19/11/2025

𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝟯 | Sinnungbat Cup 2025

[Theme] Gender
𝗧𝗛𝗕𝗧 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱.

Amplify Your Voice,
Defy the Odds!

19/11/2025

𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 | Whatever cards you hold, UC SPADES will always be your ace ♠️🎲

It's time to draw your cards! A new round has finally begun. Last November 13, Thursday, the UC Speech and Debate Society conducted its 5th General Assembly at the UC Auditorium with the aim of creating connections amongst the attendees and broadening the ideas with what UC SPADES has to offer.

The program begins with a heartwarming and inspiring opening remark from the Society's Debate Coach, Ma'am Shayne Dinamling. Afterwards, Training Director Mario Oriana III presented the exciting events soon to be experienced in UC SPADES. From spoken word poetry to Panagsao, UC SPADES is packed with opportunities for every member to explore. Moreover, the training director has been eyeing a new tournament.

As fresh faces entered the game, a send-off for the graduates was commenced. The graduating batch from the previous academic year was recognized for their active commitment and contributions during their tenure in the organization. They are: Gary Andrei B. Urbanozo, Ranielle Juene C. Mabiasan, Miguel Shane Joaquin David, and Teddy JR J. Quintos.

After the send-off, a classic game of charades was played. Two groups tried to conquer the game; however, after several rounds, the first group was able to bag enough points to win. The price? Bragging privileges! As laughter filled the auditorium, it became clear that a newfound connection was forming among the attendees.

Following this, Training Director Mario Oriana III shared his knowledge on debating—encapsulating the what's and the why's, along with the different formats of debate—while offering helpful tips on what judges look for. He also highlighted the value of humble beginnings, recalling his early days in debating, which paved the way for the milestones he has achieved. He reiterated that UC SPADES does not expect perfection; instead, the organization expects each member to foster a spirit of learning.

Before the General Assembly concluded, a demo debate was conducted in collaboration with the Saint Louis University Debate Society. The motion tackled a thought-provoking dilemma: “This House would choose to love to the fullest rather than to love cautiously.” Participants were given an opportunity to give their insights right after the debate concluded.

As a final act, closing remarks were delivered by UC SPADES President Ian Roi Wagtingan.

Voila! The 5th General Assembly has come to an end—new chapters opening, new stories unfolding, and new memories created. With UC SPADES, we hope to instill values and new learnings for everyone involved. You may not be able to choose which cards land in your hands, but you have the freedom to play them to your advantage—so use your cards wisely, or better yet, use your voice wisely! Because no matter which card you hold, UC SPADES will always be your Ace.

Amplify your voice,
Defy the odds!

📸 Quincy Calixto Herman
✍️ Ryziel Ao-wat

18/11/2025

𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 2 | Sinnungbat Cup 2025

[Infoslide] In the Philippines, public markets (palengke) traditionally managed by local governments are increasingly being turned over to private corporations through public-private partnerships (PPPs) or long-term leases. While these takeovers aim to modernize facilities and boost local revenue, they have garnered significant criticism from the public.

Examples include a proposal with the Public Market of Baguio City, the Cebu Carbon Market, and similar markets in Pasig, Taguig, San Fernando, and Dagupan City.

[Theme] Economy
𝗧𝗛𝗢 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀.

Amplify Your Voice,
Defy the Odds!

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