Jayvee Bernate 
On August 14, 2024, students from Samar State University (SSU) showcased their debating prowess by securing the top three positions at the Mayor Dexter Uy Asian Parliamentary Debate, held at the SSU Convention Center.
The debate, part of the 18th Annual Celebration of Catbalogan Young People’s Day, featured five teams of students from both secondary and tertiary levels. Each team presented structured and persuasive arguments in defense of their respective positions.
In a highly competitive showdown, Verbum Veneficus 1 emerged as the champion, followed by Verbum Veneficus 2 in second place, and Dynamic Discourse Trio in third—all three teams representing SSU.
Marlon Baldago, a member of the champion team Verbum Veneficus 1, distinguished himself by earning both the Best Speaker and Best Debater titles.
The event was organized by the Catbalogan City Population and Youth Development Office, in collaboration with the Samar National School Supreme Secondary Learner Government, SSU – University Student Council, and the Catbalogan City Supreme Student Council Federation who facilitated the said debate.
