Aspiring debaters from across the country gathered to learn, compete, and grow at La Salle Debate Society’s (LSDS) annual Lasallian Interschool Training (LIT) 2026, a hybrid event helf from July 18 to 19, 2026.
LIT 2026 welcomed novice debaters from high schools and colleges for a comprehensive introduction to competitive debating. Designed to introduce and strengthen participants’ public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills, this year’s program combined engaging lectures, games, and a mini-tournament.
The first day, held onsite at Yuchengco Hall, featured a series of lectures and workshops led by distinguished members and alumni of LSDS. Sharing their expertise were Bianca Raymundo, a National Debate Championship 2026 Quarterfinalist and experienced adjudicator, Kimberly Lopez, the Captain of LSDS, Grand Finalist, and 8th Best Speaker of the National Debate Championship 2025, and Mikee De Vega, an ESL Champion and 3rd Best Speaker of the World Universities Debating Championship 2016 and a two-time Best Speaker of the Philippines.
Participants learned the fundamentals of case building, rebuttals, adjudication, speech delivery, and strategic thinking through the interactive discussions across three rotating lectures. The lecturers’ personal experiences and advice gave participants a glimpse into both the fundamentals and higher levels of competitive debating, where they aim to “make the game beautiful” the Lasallian way.
Participants put their newly acquired knowledge into practice on the second day in an online mini tournament conducted in the Asian Parliamentary format.
Across three preliminary rounds, participants experienced the fast-paced nature of competitive debate. Each room per round consisted of four teams, with an experienced adjudicator from LSDS giving feedback, making decisions, and answering questions.
The tournament concluded with the recognition of outstanding individual performances through Speaker Awards and a top ranking team award, celebrating participants who demonstrated exceptional growth.
Below is the list of full awardees:
Top Ranking Team
Alix Isabel A. Ofrin
Chermane Monique S. De Leon
Ma. Antonia Jia D. Consulta
St. Paul College Pasig
Overall Best Speaker (Tied)
Ma. Antonia Jia D. Consulta
Dominiq Delos Reyes
3rd Best Speaker (Tied)
Sophie Bautista
Alfonso Iñigo N. Ramos
5th Best Speaker
Chermane Monique S. De Leon
6th Best Speaker
Niña Biteng
7th Best Speaker
Andrei Dichoso
9th Best Speaker (Tied)
Isabel Lee
Caleigh Naoe
Jewel Amanda S. Carlos
Marco Emmanuel S. Baco
