The UP Mindanao Debate Varsity proudly brought home multiple awards after participating in several debate competitions, both national and international, including the Southern Philippines Debate Open, Kontra-Korap Cup, Vietnam Interschool Debating Championship, and the Davao Novice Cup.
In just two months, the varsity has achieved two championship titles, six speaker awards, and two judge awards, highlighting its members’ growing presence and excellence in the debate circuit.
The varsity’s contingent included Kelvin Dwayne Lampon (2 – BS Biology), Xious Sardoma (2 – BS Computer Science), Ella Nicole Español (2 – BA English), Axel Ann Banihit (2 – BA Communication and Media Arts), Jann Dave Casquejo (3 – BS Computer Science), Juliana Danielle Gayatin (3 – BS Food Technology), Nissi Odessa Mandanao (3 – BA English), Leila Loraine Adelante (1 – BS Architecture), Matthew Felix Cambangay (2 – BA Communication and Media Arts), Fred Omalza (2 – Master in Management), and recent graduates Alyssa Ilaguison and Cedrick Ventula (BA Communication and Media Arts, Class of 2025).
In the recently concluded Davao Novice Cup, held on October 18-19, 2025, and hosted by Ateneo Debate Varsity, Axel Ann Banihit and Jann Dave Casquejo were hailed as College Novice Champions. In the same tournament, Ella Nicole Español and Matthew Felix Cambangay advanced to the semifinals, with Español earning the 9th Best Speaker award. Davao Novice Cup 2025.
Similarly, in the Kontra-Korap Cup, held on September 28 – 29, 2025, and hosted by Kamalig Debate and TalakSik Debates, Ella Nicole Español and Cedrick Ventula were named Novice Champions, with Español also recognized as the Finals Best Speaker. Meanwhile, Fred Omalza and Xious Sardoma finished as Open Octofinalists in the same tournament.
In the Southern Philippines Debate Open, held on September 6-7, 2025, and hosted by Xavier University Debate Circle, Fred Omalza and Axel Banihit finished as Grand Finalists, securing 5th Best Open Speaker and 6th Best Open Speaker, respectively, with Banihit also earning the Overall Best Novice Speaker title.
In adjudicating, Kelvin Dwayne Lampon gained international recognition as the 3rd Best Judge in the Vietnam Interschool Debating Championship, hosted by VTH English Academy, and held on September 27 – 28, 2025.
In the Parliamate British Parliamentary tournament, hosted by Parliamate and held on September 19 – 21, 2025, Alyssa Ilaguison also secured the 3rd Best Judge award.
Across these tournaments, more than 70 teams and adjudicators participated, representing various regions of the Philippines and members of the international debate community. Held on online platforms, the competitions covered a wide range of timely and relevant topics, including gender, international relations, economics, artificial intelligence, politics, education, philosophy, and the environment.
“The UP Mindanao Debate Varsity extends its heartfelt gratitude to its alumni, members, the university administration, the Office of Student Affairs, and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences for their unwavering guidance and continued support,” stated Varsity head Frederick Omalza.