F2F Debate is Back!: Quarterfinalist New Lifers Prove Their Prowess

After nearly four years of being done online, in-person debating made a highly anticipated comeback with the staging of the Philippine Schools Debate Championship (PSDC) last January 11 to 14 at the Leong Hall of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).  New Lifers Bianca Iyesha Sy of Grade 9 and Hans Daniel Tan of Grade 12 left a lasting impression against over 100 schools by reaching the octofinals in the said debate tournament.  

Hosted by the Ateneo Debate Society (ADS), the annual PSDC in British Parliamentary format stands as one of two of the country’s most prestigious high school debate tournaments in the Philippines. Debaters were split into two categories: Ana Alano for novices and Open for experienced debaters. 

Over four days, Sy and Tan, making up MGC A, fiercely competed against around 100 teams in the Ana Alano category nationwide. Their opponents included the debate teams from ADMU, Philippine Science High School, and De La  Salle University. The teams tackled a diverse set of topics that covered U.S. politics, the environment, economics, and pop culture. 

After seven intense rounds, the duo broke through the second reserve category with a total of 10 team points and 1,050 speaker points, advancing to the eliminations where they ended their journey in the quarterfinals. 

Sy expressed how she and Tan had a difficult time adjusting and preparing for this tournament as first-time partners in the unfamiliar face-to-face setup. Despite the challenges, the duo continued to persevere and were on a roll with consistent advances until they finally lost their streak. Sy stated how devastated yet content they were to have qualified for the reserved breaks and quarterfinals. 

“I want to say how proud I am of the PSDC contingent, and how proud I am of my debate partner, Hans. It wasn't the best run, but we were able to adjust well and make the most of our rounds. Truly, nothing is impossible through the Lord!” Sy remarked.