By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Congratulations to the CPU Debating Team for clinching the MIC ON: A Youth Discourse on Local Governance championship, and to Sam Isaac Alog for earning both Best Speaker and Best Debater awards in the DILG Region VI competition! Photo courtesy of DILG Region 6 Western Visayas.

The Central Philippine University (CPU) Debating Team emerged as Grand Champion in the championship round of MIC ON: A Youth Discourse on Local Governance held on October 26, 2026, at the SM City Iloilo Events Center. Team member Sam Isaac Alog, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student, received both the Best Speaker and Best Debater awards.

Representing Iloilo Province, the CPU Debating Team, also known as the RDDDS Team, competed in the event organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI through its Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) as part of the 2026 Local Government Month celebration. The team’s speakers were Sam Isaac Alog, Marielle Mediodia, and Myco Sembrano, while Clariss Galaraga, Ethan James Sumayo, and Jeh arra Dianne Sumbanon served as researchers.

The team advanced to the championship round after defeating Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, representing Capiz, in the semi-finals. During the round, Sembrano was named Best Speaker and Best Debater.

The championship round centered on the proposition, “Resolved that the allocation and disbursement of confidential funds in local government units (LGUs) be abolished.”

The University of Antique, representing Antique Province, secured the first runner-up title.

The CPU team was coached by Mr. Daryl Lutero, Ms. Abegail Mandar, and Dr. Lenny Mucho, Director of the Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC). Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Director of the Office of Student Development and Programs, served as the debating team consultant.