MMSU studes flaunt their wit in the nerve-wracking debate cup competition

by Ivy Jane Guanzon

Students from the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) showcased their intellectual prowess during the Debate Cup competition dubbed as Speak Up held at the university’s Student Center on January 21.

The competition which was organized by the Graduate School attracted teams from various colleges to participate in stimulating debates on a wide range of current issues.

The tournament employed the Asian Parliamentary debate format and each participating college was allowed to field two teams composed of three members each. The dispute also established three rounds: elimination, semi-finals and finals round and match-ups were determined through drawing of lots.

The debate was evaluated based on three categories: Manner - their style of debating and voice intonation, Matter - the relevance of the case they presented and merit of arguments and exam- ples and Method - the structure of individual and team speech structure and responsiveness to the dynamics of the debate.

The topics presented included national and global issues to challenge participants’ critical thinking skills and to encourage them to express themselves clearly and persuasively. Each debate match was judged by a panel of judges.

The elimination round was intense as teams presented well-researched arguments on the given motions: (1) This house supports the girl boss concept, (2) This house regrets the Miss Universe and (3) This house supports that Maria Clara is the ideal Filipina.

The semi-finals round was held right after the elimination proper, and competing teams are then given again motions to consider: (1) This house supports the rise of social media influencers from the healthcare industry (e.g. Dr. K, Doctor Mike, etc.), (2) This house regrets the romanticization of mental illness in media and Literature and (3) This house would stop making adaptations (remake) of hit series. The teams had to argue either for or against the motions given, with the judges evaluating them based on their arguments, research and delivery. The match was fierce as everyone gave their best shot to secure a spot in the finals round.

Agrupis launches ACHIEVE 2.0 Strategic Plan

by Ivy Jane Guanzon

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has achieved another milestone in its development as the university President, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis successfully unveiled “ACHIEVE 2.0: Transforming to a Premier Philippine University by 2028,” during the Stakeholder’s Forum, attended by students, employees, Local Government Units (LGUs), and private partners, held at the Teatro Ilocandia, yesterday, January 20.

The plan, which was presented during the forum, sets out a series of goals and objectives that will enable the school to continue its trajectory of excellence in teaching, research and community service.

In her speech, Agrupis