The Ateneo de Davao University High School (ADDU) outwitted defending champion Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS) during the final rounds of the Davao City Water District’s 2nd Debate contest held last week at SM City Event Center.

The Ateneo debate team was composed of Kevin Luke V. Mizon, prime minister; Ma. Eleanor R. Reserva, deputy prime minister; and Gea Shanine S. Sedayao, whip.  Rerserva was unanimously chosen as best debater by the adjudicators.  

The opposite side, DRANHS team, emerged first runner-up. The team was composed of Kevin Dave B. Ballesta, leader of the opposition; Danielle G. Diaz, deputy leader of the opposition; and Nelizza Mae P. Marzo, whip.

ADDU assumed the government side in the debate between water and hydro-power in utilizing the city’s river systems.

Placing 2nd runner – up was the Davao City National High School represented by Mary Jill Ira A. Banta, Balire John L. Parojinog and Thesa Mae B. Lacatan. The third placer was Brokenshire Science High School composed of Ma. Assa M. Hernandez, Ivy Jane A. Torregosa and Angel Jean N. Domingo.

The champion speakers were each awarded P2,000 plus gold medal while the first runners–up each received P1,500 plus silver  medals. The second runners-up each went home with P1,000 plus bronze medal while the  third runners–up were given P500 each. The best debater got a special medal.

The panel of adjudicators for this contest were Ricardo A. Jimenez Jr., Jason P. Balais and Rene A. Lizada. The teams were judged in these criteria: Matter – 40 % (substance of the debate, arguments, evidence presented, logical reasoning and presentation of said arguments), Manner – 40% (the style of delivery, persuasion skills, and conduct of the debaters), and Method – 20% (response to the dynamics of the debate and  observance of the rules of debate). 

The other schools that joined this contest were: Colegio de San Ignacio, F. Bangoy National High School, Holy Cross of Mintal, and Southpoint School of Davao.  The adjudicators for the elimination rounds were: Mervin G Gaston, Dyan Aimee M. Rodriguez, Mary Ann V. Fuertes, Democracia M. Dominguez, Ruwina S. Gonzaga, and Roldan G. Gorgonio. jdborong

The DCWD 2009 Debate Finalists. From left to right, Daniel R. Aguinaldo NHS, Ateneo De Davao University HS, Davao City NHS and Brokenshire Science HS. Right photo is Ma. Eleanor R. Reserva, best debater from ADDU team with adjudicators Ricardo Jimenez Jr., Rene A. Lizada and Jason P. Balais.