By Michael Aaron Gomez
Members of the Ateneo de Davao University Debate Varsity won the championship at the 2nd Mindanao International Humanitarian Law Debates hosted by the Philippine Red Cross – Davao City Chapter last 9 to 11 August 2019 at the Pinnacle Hotel. From AdDU Team C, Maegan Sang Tian, Ian Sarto, and Giovanni Vallejo, all first year students, endured four elimination rounds to bag the trophy. The debate tournament was crafted to challenge the knowledge and skills of debaters, particularly concerning the principles and pragmatics of international humanitarian law; this inter-school debating tournament is also initiated in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
According to the organizers, “this initiative is in cognizance of the need to further heighten public awareness of the International Humanitarian Law…. This debate exercise of skills among the youth and students shall greatly contribute to our humanitarian thrusts, and shall provide a venue for youth participation in discussing, analyzing, and resolving sociopolitical issues relating to International Humanitarian Law.”
This victory marks a good start for the AdDU Debate Varsity, which is preparing for the long debate season ahead.