The St. Augustine’s Cup Interdepartmental Debate Series 2026 concluded on February 9 at the USA Pavilion, drawing students and faculty for an afternoon of sharp arguments and intellectual exchange from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.
The semi-final debate revolved around the motion: “Let it be resolved that estate taxes should be abolished.” The College of Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics (CNND) argued on the affirmative side, strongly advocating for the abolition of estate taxes, while the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education (CLASE) took the negative position, defending the continued implementation of such taxes.
Both teams presented compelling arguments, sharp rebuttals, and well-structured reasoning, making the exchange intellectually stimulating for the audience. After careful evaluation by the panel of judges, CNND was declared the winner, prevailing through persuasive analysis, effective teamwork, and confident delivery.
Stealing the spotlight was Bonn Christian Pampag, who delivered an outstanding performance and was awarded both Best Debater and Best Speaker. Pampag’s clarity of thought, confidence, and commanding presence set a high standard for competitive debating throughout the event.
Held at the USA Pavilion, the debate series served as a platform for students to express ideas, defend positions, and engage in respectful academic discourse. The event reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering communication skills, leadership, and intellectual excellence among its students.
Congratulations to our debate team!
