Red and Green not White and Gold

Kingsley de los Santos from Clovers raising a Point of Information
 during the CAS Pagbinaisay 2015. Photo credits to Megan Cortez.

Pagbinaisay is the local term for debate in the region. In the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at UPV, the same term banners the inter-academic organization debate tournament held during the CAS Week (This year though CAS Week merges with the other colleges’ weeks, collectively celebrating UPV University Week or simply U-week). Three representatives composing a single team from each academic organization battled for the Pagbinaisay champion title and while the rest of the world debated on whether the dress was white and gold or blue and black in social media, CAS students argued on the motion that ‘This house would support a People Power against Aquino.’

Theo Javriel Chavez of Redbolts delivering their case.
Photo credits to Megan Cortez.

During the final round, the Redbolts, composed of Theo Javriel Chavez, Hans Juris Artillero and Rachel Lois Gella who were in Government side, competed against Clovers made up of Adrian Bernard Dofitas, Kingsley de los Santos and Lizbeth Tantuan who were in Opposition. The Redbolts proposed that in instances when the state has failed to serve its people, it becomes necessary to stage a revolution through a People Power. They added that because of Aquino’s inefficient leadership particularly in handling the Yolanda aftermath as well as the Mamasapano encounter, he must be stripped off from power through the said means. After he would be removed, a transitional council composed of different sector representatives would be established.

The Opposition countered by saying that it would be inconvenient to remove the president following the Redbolts’ proposal because it oversteps the constitutional mandate of a three-branch democratic government, leaves a gaping hole on power transfer, and it won’t necessarily solve all of the nation’s problems in just a year (since it’s nearing 2016 elections). They also argued that under the Aquino administration, significant economic improvements were accomplished.

Generally, it was an issue of which team provided the best method of civic participation and mobilization with careful consideration of benefits, harms and practicability. Consistent to those were the Clovers team earning them the title Pagbinaisay 2015 champions.

The Pagbinaisay 2015 champions from Clovers. Photo credits to Megan Cortez.

The debate was judged by Social Sciences Division faculty member Clyde Gacayan, UPV Debate Society Prime Minister Lucilyn Fajanilan and yours truly. 

CAS Chairperson Raoul Manuel calling students to be socially conscious.
Photo credits to Megan Cortez.