Members of the Saint Louis University (SLU) Debate Society served as adjudicators at Timpuyog ti Amianan’s ASEAN Debate Cup on 5 to 6 October 2026 held at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office invited the Louisian student-debaters to judge the debate rounds. Their role as adjudicators was to judge and evaluate the rounds, determine the winning team, and provide constructive feedback. The event gave the SLU Debate Society a chance to support student debate in Region I.
The debates solely focused on motions connected to ASEAN-related issues, which covered topics like politics, international relations, economy, history, and the culture of individual member states or ASEAN as a regional group.
Senior varsity debaters Allain Christopher Bulatao and Wreighnel Ricci Badua led the SLU group. They joined members Karl Miguel Parilla, John Remar Gayla, and Rainier Andre Martinez, along with senior graduate Arc Daniel.
Schools and Competition Results
The ASEAN Debate Cup brought together students from schools across Region I. The invited schools included the University of Eastern Pangasinan, Colegio de San Juan de Letran– Manaoag, Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan, Union Christian College, Philippine College of Science and Technology, University of Luzon, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University– South La Union, Panpacific University, Divine Word College of Laoag, Mariano Marcos State University–Main, Northwestern University, Urdaneta City University, Pangasinan State University, and Osias Educational Foundation. Mariano Marcos State University–Main and Northwestern University reached the final round of the competition where Mariano Marcos State University–Main came to the top.
The SLU Debate Society’s role in the event reflects its members’ work beyond competing in debate tournaments. As adjudicators, they helped assess student speakers and support fair debate among schools in the region. The invitation from the CHED Regional Office also gave the members a chance to share their knowledge of debate with other schools
Through this role, the SLU Debate Society took part in an event that brought together student debaters and helped sustain debate as a space for clear reasoning, strong arguments, and respectful exchange of ideas. Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), the Debate Society provided continuous encouragement throughout the tournament and reaffirming their commitment to representing the university in the national and regional debate circuits. (Article and Photos by Saint Louis University Debate Society)
