STUDENTS from the University of the Philippines Visayas-Tacloban College won in the first online Chancellor’s Debate Cup held earlier this week.

The competition aimed to promote democracy and awareness of students on various pressing issues.

With a 2-1 decision, UP Tacloban won against UPV College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in the grand finals with the motion, “The House supports the use of Artificial Intelligence as the primary tool for decision-making in matters relating to public health policies and programs.”

Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano said that the event would have a significant impact in creating a university with a diverse and open atmosphere, “making it a bastion of academic freedom.”

“This event tells us that the UP spirit is alive and refuses to be defeated,” Camposano said.

John Rey Reyes of CFOS was awarded Best Speaker in the finals round.

“Five academic organizations from UPV Miagao participated in the Asian format debate — Clovers, Elektrons, Redbolts, Skimmers, and Fisheries; and a team representative from UPV Tacloban College,” UPV said.

“The debate cup was composed of three preliminary rounds. The top three breaking teams were UP Tacloban, Fisheries, and Skimmers. With a unanimous decision in the pre-grand finals, Fisheries won against Skimmers, facing Tacloban in the grand finals,” it added.

Reyes secured the Overall Best Speaker Award; Brandon Dela Cruz and Jessa Nuevas of UP Tacloban got the 2nd and 3rd spots, respectively; while Nikko Aquino and Feliz Espinosa were tied at 4th.

On the other hand, Francis Nacionales and Redbolts representatives, Carmela Adelantar and Franz Mapa shared the 6th spot.

Judges in the competition include Dianne Ablay of UPV Tacloban College and Keith Jablo and Antonio Salazar of UPV Miagao campus.