Ateneo de Manila University’s David Africa and Tobi Leung (in black) at the World Universities Debating Championship in Madrid | Photo from Ateneo Office of Student Activities Facebook page

Students from Ateneo de Manila University bagged the grand prize in the World Universities Debating Championship held in Madrid, Spain from 27 December to 4 January.

Photo from the Ateneo Office of Student Activities Facebook Page

Team Ateneo A, composed of BS Applied Mathematics students David Africa and Tobi Leung, beat teams from top universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, National University of Singapore, and London School of Economics.

In addition, Leung was named 2nd best speaker, the highest position that a Filipino has ever held in the history of the tournament, while Africa was ranked 8th.

This is the first time that a team from the Philippines or Southeast Asia has won the tournament otherwise known as the World Debate Olympics.

University President Fr Roberto Yap SJ congratulated both Africa and Leung on their “inspiring victory” and for the “immense pride you have brought to the Ateneo community, the nation, and the Southeast Asia region”.

In an interview with UCA News, Fr Donald San Juan, Catholics Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Youth Commission Executive Secretary, commended the team and urged more Catholic schools to engage in debate as a truth-seeking endeavour, and to develop critical and communication skills among students.

“Every debate is for the truth. Debate is a format in order for people to understand, to drive us closer to the truth. In debates, ideas are tested. Concepts are not taken for granted easily because we need the best ideas to stand out. Debating is truth-seeking,” said Fr San Juan. [Ateneo de Manila University/UCAN News]