By Karren Jay G. Asgar

The Central Philippine University-Senior Plus Red Cross Youth Council and The Prosecutors participated in the 5th International Humanitarian Law Interschool Debate Series 2024 held at the SSB Hall, Iloilo Science and Technology University.

On August 17, 2024, the Central Philippine University-Senior Plus Red Cross Youth Council, together with The Prosecutors, joined the 5th International Humanitarian Law Interschool Debate Series 2024 held at the SSB Hall, Iloilo Science and Technology University.

The annual event, organized by the Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo Chapter IHL Team, gathered eight schools in Iloilo City and aimed to foster discussions among the youth on policy matters affecting society and the movement. Representatives from Central Philippine University included Joniel Jay Villorente, Speaker 1; Sam Isaac Alog, Speaker 2; Richard Luis Lee, Speaker 3; Leiane Bennice Zamora, Researcher 1; Wrency Dawn Mallo, Researcher 2; Alexandra Celebrar, Researcher 3; and Kent Alfe Alvarez, Reserve 1.

Ember Adrian C. Fariolan, Vice President for Administration of the CPU-Senior Plus Red Cross Youth Council, expressed enthusiasm about the team’s involvement. “As their manager, I never doubted their performance during the debate. It was a great start for both clubs to collaborate. I also enjoyed their presence during practices, which made everything more productive and enjoyable.”

The official competing teams included Ajuy National High School, Central Philippine University – Senior Plus Red Cross Youth Council, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Colegio de San Jose, Hua Siong College of Iloilo Ledesco Campus – Senior Red Cross Youth Council, Hua Siong College of Iloilo Main Campus – Senior Red Cross Youth Council, Iloilo Scholastic Academy, and West Visayas State University – Integrated Laboratory School.

“This debate was a valuable experience for both clubs. Although we fell short this time, it motivates us to improve and perform even better in the next one,” Fariolan added.

The Centralian community is proud of its team’s accomplishments and looks forward to future opportunities to participate in such forums.