Nabua National High School (NNHS) proved their prowess as they clinched the championship title during the Final Round of the 2024 Inter-School Debate for the Environment today, December 5, 2024 at the DENR Regional Office 5 Lobby, Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City.
In celebration of National Environmental Awareness Month, National Clean Air Month, Mining Month, and the National Climate Change Consciousness Week, the event was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol in collaboration with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 5, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 5 and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) V and SM City Legazpi through the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG).
The final round featured the proposition “Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action is a Success.” Representing the negative side, NNHS bested the affirmative team from the University of Saint Anthony (USANT) with a score of 91.56%, securing the championship title, while USANT earned 1st Runner-Up with a score of 90.44%.
The event was attended by the Department of Education (DepEd) 5 Regional Director (RD) Dr. Gilbert T. Sadsad represented by Education Program Specialist Choraza P. Duroy and DENR Bicol key officials including Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla Jr., EMB 5 Regional Director (RD) Engr. Maria Socorro A. Abu, MGB 5 RD Engr. Guillermo A. Molina Jr. IV, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services (ARD-MS) Ronnel B. Astor and ARD for Technical Services (ARD-TS) Atty. Ronnel C. Sopsop along with the DENR Bicol employees and other guests.
In his message, DENR Bicol RED Milla emphasized the importance of the event. “The issues deabted today are real and pressing. Take what you’ve learned and advocate for change in your communities—true environmental protection is about creating lasting impact through collective action,” he said.
A total of 16 schools across the Bicol Region have registered to compete, including: (1) Goa Science High School, (2) Catanduanes National High School, (3) Aroroy National High School, (4) Ligao National High School, (5) Polangui General Comprehensive High School, (6) Bato Rural Development High School, (7) University of Saint Anthony, ( 8 ) Nabua National High School, (9) Gallanosa National High School, (10) Bulan National High School, (11) Sorsogon National High School, (12) Legazpi City Science High School, (13) Cataingan National High School, (14) Camarines Norte National High School, (15) Marcial O. Rańola Memorial School and (16) Tabaco National High School.
Meanwhile, USANT’s Team Captain Liam Zedekiel DR. Bolalin was ajudged as the Best Speaker, while NNHS Team Captain, Rodney Corbin P. Sarmiento was awarded Best Interpellator and Best Debater, respectively.
The debate used the Oxford-Oregon format, with each school represented by four (4) junior high school students and a coach. The competition highlighted the students’ ability to engage in meaningful discourse on critical environmental issues while showcasing their advocacy for climate action and sustainability.
The DENR Bicol engages the youth in meaningful discussions and initiatives to lay the groundwork for them to become the future leaders of environmental advocacy. By empowering them today, we are ensuring a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow for all.
(Source: DENR Bicol)