Student entrants showcased their oratory skills during the 2025 West Visayas State University (WVSU) U-Days English Speech Competition on January 28 at the New Academic Building Function Hall. The event, featuring storytelling and declamation, had contestants impressing the crowd with their creative renditions of various speeches.
The afternoon program commenced with storytelling, having a total of 14 contenders from various colleges and external campuses that captivated the audience with their powerful delivery of Leoncio P. Deriada’s story compilation.
Lance Enriquez from Dapog Manugtuom (College of Arts and Sciences) kicked off his rendition of The Dog Eaters by asking the audience, “What happens after happily ever after?” Reflecting on his performance, Enriquez shared, “This is actually my first time competing at this point of my life. It feels good. I hope you guys enjoyed it.”
The storytelling segment set the tone for the competition, exhibiting creativity and passion of each contestant as they brought Deriada’s stories to life.
Following on the same venue was the declamation contest, where 16 participants representing their departments and campuses took the stage to deliver original prose pieces, demonstrating their declamatory skills with shifting voices and characters that kept the audience locked in.
An orator from Dapog Manuglapwa (Pototan Campus), Aisha Gail Bebit, shared her favorite part in an interview after her performance: “It’s not about forcing pieces together; it’s about creating new ones.” This line is from her declamation piece, The Innovator’s Journey.
Aileish Kate Jaudian, a performer from the College of Information and Communications, pushed through nerves and a forgotten line during the execution of her composition, Fell from Grace. “The added pressure from the audience was scary,” she admitted, mentioning that she was still proud to represent Dapog Manugbusa.
The contestants were evaluated by a panel of professional and notable public speakers: Cynia Mirasol, Iris Lacuesta, and former WVSU Prof. Maria Eloisa Yap. Results were released on the same day at the WVSU Cultural Center.
Story by Rosema Kamsa and Abbygale Hope Abasolo/Pagyuhum Publication
Photos by Pagyuhum Publication
