Demonstrating sharp rhetoric and intellectual prowess, members of the Saint Louis University (SLU) Debate Society secured major awards at the recently concluded 2nd Angat Kabataan Debate Championship 2026 held in Vinzons, Camarines Norte on 15-16 August 2026.
The competitive leg proved highly productive for the Baguio-based delegation, providing opportunities to build camaraderie with fellow student debaters across the Bicol Region and neighboring areas while bringing home notable distinctions.
Quarterfinal Finish and Individual Distinctions
The official SLU contingent composed of Wreighnel Ricci Badua, Eidref Tumbaga, and Lorenzo Gloria advanced through the preliminary rounds to rank as the 4th Open Breaking Team. The team concluded their run in the Quarterfinals after a rigorous matchup against top regional contenders.
In addition to the team’s strong performance, individual members earned top spots in the Open Speaker rankings: Wreighnel Ricci Badua received the 2nd Best Open Speaker of the tournament, while Lorenzo Gloria received the 10th Best Open Speaker distinction.
Senior Varsity Claims Championship Title
Adding to the delegation’s success, senior debater Allain delivered a championship performance alongside a composite team. Beyond securing the Open Championship title, Allain swept top individual honors, taking home both the 2nd Best Open Speaker award and the Final’s Best Speaker title.
The SLU Debate Society expressed deep gratitude to the university community and supporters for their continuous encouragement throughout the tournament, reaffirming their commitment to representing the university in the national and regional debate circuits aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). (Article by SLU Debate Society | Photos by SLU Debate Society and Angat Kabataan Debate Championship)
