Mindanao teams give a strong performance at the 9th NDC

AdDU’s Lamboso, Salisipan, and Jalotjot are among the Top Ten Speakers in the Philippines
There was no repeat of last year’s finals appearance, but MPDU teams continued to do relatively well in this year’s 2007 National Debate Championship, currently in its ninth installment. The tournament was hosted by the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on October 22-28, 2007.

Leading the Mindanao charge was Ateneo de Davao University, which sent two teams to the break. AdDU B (David Jalotjot and Kristine Castrodes) broke 6th with 15 points after 7 preliminary rounds, the highest break rank so far by a Mindanao team. Second among the Mindanao teams was AdDU A (Sam Salisipan and Marj Lamboso), who broke 11th at 14 points. Ateneo de Zamboanga University A (Henry Segovia and Alzhoheir Hajim) followed, breaking 16th also at 14 points. Last to break from Mindanao was Mindanao State University – Marawi A (John Louie Balagot and John Jay Zoleta), ranked 28th at 12 points.

AdDU B made it to the semifinals before getting knocked out by Ateneo de Manila University A (Miko Biscocho and Gika Mangahas), this year’s champion, and the runner-up University of the Philippines – Diliman B (Katherine Diaz and Jowee Atienza). This is the second straight year an AdDU team has gone to the semis, after AdDU sent two teams in the semifinals and one to the grand final last year. In the quarterfinals, AdDU B knocked out AdDU A, Salisipan and Lamboso, last year’s semifinalists, to proceed to the semis with UPD B. Segovia and Hajim also made it to the quarterfinals, a feat Segovia also achieved in the 7th NDC in Dumaguete, while Balagot and Zoleta remained octofinalists for the second straight year.

Three of the Top Ten speakers in the Philippines this year come from Mindanao, all from AdDU, a new record for MPDU debaters, up from 2 last year. Marj Lamboso of AdDU A was the top speaker from Mindanao, ranking 4th nationally. Sam Salisipan of AdDU A and David Jalotjot of AdDU B were tied at 6th in the Philippines.

Not only did Mindanao send debaters to the break, but an adjudicator as well. Joanne Tubao of AdDU ranked 30th in the adjudicator break, and she adjudicated the octofinal and quarterfinal rounds.

Andrew Macuto of AdDU, a groundbreaking finalist and Top Ten Speaker in the Philippines last year, was a Deputy Chief Adjudicator in the tournament, together with Brian Gaviola of MSU-M, a former NDC quarterfinalist. This marks the first time Nationals DCAs came from Mindanao. Other members of the Adjudication Core were Sharmila Parmanand of AdMU, the Chief Adjudicator, and DCAs Nicolo Cabrera (UPD), Yves Aquino (University of the Philippines – Manila), Cyris Ng (UST), Estelle Osorio (De La Salle University), Mark Garcia (Silliman University), and Angelo Estrada (St. Louis University).

Making the 9th NDC an even bigger success was the winning of the right to host the 10th NDC by Ateneo de Davao University, which beat the UPM in a hotly contested bid war. AdDU lost the bid to PMA last year, but secured the hosting right this time, bringing the NDC to Mindanao for the first time. Sam Salisipan of AdDU was also elected to be part of the Adjudication Core of the 10th NDC, since the national council implemented a policy of electing the Adjudication Core. He joins Glenn Tuazon (AdMU), Adrian Rabe, (UPM), Sir Martin Cortez (UPD), and Estelle Osorio (DLSU).

Overall, despite some problems with the tight schedule, the PMA NDC has been considered one of the best NDCs so far, as debaters and adjudicators from all over the Philippines were able to experience the sprawling campus and the cool mountain weather far from the noise of downtown Baguio, packed with great socials events, like the Cadet Hop. All participants were afforded the unique experience to observe the PMA cadets up close, and make acquaintances with the people who will lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the future.

AdDU hopes to be able to give debate enthusiasts the best NDC ever next year, and will work closely with the MPDU and the Philippine debate community towards that goal.

MSU-M A, AdDU A, San Beda College A, and AdDU D meet in Round 3. Sharmila Parmanand (AdMU) chairs.