The UP Visayas Debate Society made a strong showing in the recently concluded National Debate Championship (NDC) 2026, advancing two teams in the Union Cup Grand Finals and two adjudicators in the Open Grand Finals. The premiere British Parliamentary debate competition in the Philippines was held on site at Ateneo de Naga University, last October 21-25, 2026.
UPVDS fielded three debate teams and two adjudicators to compete against top collegiate debaters across the country.
Aaron Kate Damaso (BA in Sociology – Political Science IV) and John Rey Reyes (Masters in Marine Affairs III) were recognized as members of the Shadow Core Adjudication Panel (CAP) – a distinction awarded to judges who scored the highest in the NDC judge test. Moreover, they became part of the Open Grand Finals Panel of Judges where they helped deliberate the home for this year’s NDC trophy. The both of them are Invited and Subsidized Adjudicators, respectively.
Two UPV teams debated during the Union Cup Grand Finals. UPV A composed of Kamilah Quisha Montalban (BA Sociology – Psychology IV) and Trisha Ann Taladhay (BA in Political Science III) broke as the 1st Union Cup Breaking Team and the 1st Reserved Open Breaking Team. Meanwhile, UPV B composed of Mariella Villodres (BS in Applied Mathematics IV) and Devine Deanise Banguiran (BA in Literature II) broke as the 4th Union Cup Breaking Team.
Completing the debate contingent was UPV C composed of John Matthew Inocencio (BA in Political Science II) and Richard Luis Lee (BA Sociology II) , who represented the university across the tournament’s preliminary rounds.
After months of preparing for BP Nationals, the Society is proud to have shown its prowess in the country even despite the struggles they experienced on the road to Naga. The debaters organized tournaments, workshops, and sponsorship drives to fund portions of their travel – all while balancing their academic responsibilities.
Driven by zeal and a hunger for further achievement, UPVDS hopes to sustain this momentum and continue elevating the Visayas-Mindanao debate community on both national and international stages. As they set their sights on upcoming tournaments, the society calls on the UPV administration, alumni, and the broader community for continued support to bring more debaters in these spaces.
Written by JRey Reyes
