To showcase critical thinking, persuasive speaking, and respectful discourse in disaster preparedness and resilience, the Provincial Government, through the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO), in collaboration with the Remontados: The Ateneo de Naga University Debate Society, concluded the 4th Resilience Olympiad Debate Competition as part of the Camarines Sur Resilience Festival 2026, held on July 20-21, at the Digital Transformation Center, Cadlan, Pili.
Five teams competed in the high school division on July 20, while four teams competed in the college division on July 21. Each team was composed of three members. The competition followed the Modified Asian Parliamentary debate style, judged on matter (40 points), manner (40 points), and method (20 points).
Louis Rhey Adan, Presidential Staff Officer I of the National Youth Commission (Naga Area) and one of the event’s judges, said youth involvement in disaster resilience discussions is important because disasters do not choose age. Response and preparedness, he said, should not be left to adults alone — young people also need to be equipped with knowledge on disaster prevention and resilience, as well as an understanding of how they can contribute within their communities.
“Youth are very much more capable and able. They are very creative in their own way. So, I believe laging may contribution and dapat laging kabahagi 'yung ating mga youth in terms of mga gawain katulad ng ganito (debate competition),” he said.
Dwight Samuel O. Cheng, a Grade 12 student of Saint Joseph School (Naga City) Inc. and a member of the champion team in the high school division, said the competition was fruitful for him as a second-time participant, with timely topics that allowed his team to share their ideas well.
More than a competition, Cheng shared, “As everyone hears, 'Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan." So, I think it's really good that youth are being engaged with these kinds of topics, because not a lot of people are interested in debate, not a lot of people are interested in laws or DRRM. So, I think it's good that there are engaging activities like this that really make us study.”
Dyna Valdez, a student from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture–Pili Campus and a member of the LGU Tigaon debaters, previously won the high school division of the 1st debate competition in 2023. She said this year’s competition was more challenging, as she and her teammates knew their competitors were well-prepared and skilled. Through teamwork and confidence, the team advanced to the finals and placed first runner-up.
Valdez shared, “'Yung debate po kasi, it means parang we are exchanging knowledge, at the same time 'yung stand po natin sa isang topic or motions. So nakakatulong po siya sa mga kabataan in a way na nagkakaroon tayo ng boses upang ipahayag kung ano 'yung stand po natin sa isang specific issue or motion.”
She also expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Lray Villafuerte, for organizing a platform for the youth to share their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas through debate. She also thanked her coach and the organizing committee for the competition’s success.
Official Results
High School Division
Champion: Saint Joseph School (Naga City) Inc.
1st Runner-up: Universidad de Sta. Isabel de Naga, Inc.
2nd Runner-up: LGU Tigaon
College Division
Champion: Ateneo de Naga University Team 2
1st Runner-up: LGU Tigaon
2nd Runner-up: LGU Ocampo
