The stage is set for a battle of wit and intellects, as WVSU’s sharpest minds squared off for a coveted spot in the 2025 Banggianay Final Round. With only four teams remaining in contention, every argument and rebuttal could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The semi-finals kicked off with an opening speech from USC Councilor and Banggianay Co-Chairperson Nash Ian Gargantiel, who reminded the body of the overall essence of this competition – to speak and listen effectively.
“This competition is not just about winning,” Gargantiel said. “It is about sharpening our ability to think critically, communicate effectively and listen with an open mind.” He also described the event as a spectacular showcase of intellect, reasoning, and persuasive discourse.
The semi-finals featured two thrilling matches, with each match dictating the two final two teams who will compete for the upcoming championship.
First Match: Dapog Manuglagpang leaved Dapog Manugsanlang speechless, barges into first Finals appearance
In a compelling match between two medical colleges, Dapog Manuglagpang (College of Medicine) showcased a commanding performance, dismantling Dapog Manugsanlag (College of Nursing) in a debate over whether DepED should restore mother tongue as a subject.
The team showcased how learning and preservation of the mother tongue arise from interactions with family, media and social interactions, eliminating the need to incorporate these languages into the educational system as a subject.
“Language is not a static entity,” emphasized Maio Vendell Sabidong, the team’s Necessity speaker, who added, “It [mother tongue languages] is already flourishing in homes and communities.”
They further highlighted how, considering the logistical hurdles the proposition would have to overcome to cater to nearly 200 languages, standardization would not only stifle minority languages but also diminish the diversity that comes with them.
With this dominant win, Dapog Manuglagpang earned a spot in the final round, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Second Match: Dapog Manugtuon crushes Dapog Manugpangat as they go back to the Finals round for the second straight year
Amidst a heated argument, reigning champion Dapog Manugtuom (College of Arts and Sciences) continued their winning streak, defeating Dapog Manugpangat (College of Communications) in the last match of the day.
The two teams argued whether gun rights for firefighters should be revoked with Dapog Manugtuom asserting that the benefits of arming the firefighters’ special protection unit far outweigh the risks.
They maintained that, because of the chaos during emergencies, the noted cases of mobs assaulting firefighters and the gap between the BFP and PNP’s arrivals, it is essential that firefighters can protect themselves.
They also addressed the affirmative team’s arguments about risk and harm, arguing that only 7% of the firefighters are provided with guns, all of whom are deliberately examined and screened.
In a powerful rebuttal speech, team’s non-practicability speaker, Vaness Langrio, firmly stated that they were here not to speak for show, but to prove a point.
With yet another decisive win, Dapog Manugtuom secured their place in the final round for the second consecutive year, ready to defend their title from last year’s iteration of Banggianay.
The two best sets of debaters will now face off for the ultimate showdown of wits and words on Friday, January 31, at the WVSU Grandstand. The College of Medicine will attempt to dethrone the defending champions, College of Arts and Sciences, in what promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking finale.
Individual awards for the best speakers and best debaters for both the semi-finals and the finals rounds shall also be announced after the competition.
Story by Paul Asi C. Hitalia and Jeraldine B. Miranda/The Courier
Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasco
