Last Society Standing: First Run of Debate Prelims Shortlists Societies

The preliminary debate simultaneously held in rooms 115 to 118 last afternoon of February 18, 2023, concluded with the Political Science Society, Junior Philosopher’s Guild, ABEO, and Historical Society clinching spots for the semi-finals following the Sociology Society, Kapilas Bayan, and Psychology Society’s withdrawal from the match during halfway round.

In accordance with the guidelines, four slots are allocated for competing societies to advance to the semi-finals. Hence, the remaining teams will automatically proceed to the next elimination round.

Chaired by the MSU-IIT Debate Varsity (MIDV), an Asian Parliamentary Debate format was followed. Seven societies were randomly assigned to counter benches. To fill up the odd number of teams, a swing team from the MIDV was invited.

The preliminary debate was categorized into three rounds with three general themes. Under these themes are three motions. Two motions will be vetoed by both clashing teams from the Government and Opposition to come up with one motion to be argued. The four pairs of clashing teams will be given 30 minutes to prepare their speech. Accumulated points gathered every round will be consolidated for final tabulation.

Meanwhile, reshuffling of random match-ups and themes will consequently be revealed after every round:

Round 1: Education

The motions under education are as follows:

(I) In post-colonial states, THW deprioritizes the internationalization of curriculum or higher education institutions in favor of decolonization. (II) THW compel all politicians to send their children to public schools. (III) THW establish exclusive schools for LGBT

Four pairs of clashing teams chose motions two and three.

(II) THW compel all politicians to send their children to public schools. Junior Philosopher’s Guild, on the government bench, faced ABEO on the opposition bench. With the chair ruling over the proposition’s side. The Junior Philosopher’s Guild got their first point in a 1-0 standing.

Concurrently, the Historical Society on the opposition bench dealt with Kapilas Bayan on the proposition side. The adjudication led to a 1-0 standing in favor of the Historical Society.

(III) THW establish exclusive schools for LGBT Likewise, the Psychology Society, on the government bench, emerged victorious in their first round with the Sociological Society on the opposition’s bench. Meanwhile, the Political Science society’s proposition toppled the Swing Team’s opposition, leading to a 1-0 standing in favor of the government bench.

Round 2: Feminism

The Sociological Society didn’t proceed to the second round for personal reasons. Hence, to align the number of teams, the swing team was out for the second round.

With 3 pairs of clashing teams left, remaining pairs of teams chose all three different motions under feminism: (I) THR the narrative that feminists should refrain from being antagonistic and aggressive in fighting the patriarchy. The Junior Philosopher’s Guild, on the opposition bench, faced the Psychological Society on the government bench. The chair ruling over the opposition’s side led to a 2-1 standing benefitting the Junior Philosopher’s Guild’s lead.

(II) THR the popularity of choice feminism. Similarly, a 2-1 standing in favor of the Political Science Society was evident in the chair’s adjudication, favoring the government’s proposition over the Historical Society’s opposition.

(III) THBT feminism should focus on the similarities of men and women and advocate for gender-neutral treatment as opposed to focusing on the differences and advocating for the necessity of different treatments. Garnering their first point in a 1-0 standing against Kapilas Bayan, ABEO’s proposition was favored by the chair over the former’s opposition.

On the other hand, prior to the start of round 3, the Kapilas Bayan pulled out from the match. However, due to time constraints, the debate was halted. Round 3 was supposed to take place the morning of February 20, before the semi-finals. But similarly, the Psychological Society withdrew from the line-up, leaving four teams to automatically secure spots for the semis.

About the Author

John Vincent M. Balustre

John Vincent Balustre is a news correspondent and an AB Sociology student. Hailing from the small town of Oroquieta City he has polished his craft in writing and took part in major posts from his former school publication, The CAPITOL of MONHS. His writing interests are usually in politics, community engagement, and entertainment.