United Nations 2023: Recognizing Essential Values For Every Human Being

The commemoration of the United Nations (UN), which was organized by the Araling Panlipunan department, showcased the theme of “Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All” for this year. This was announced on October 10, 2023, alongside a dance rendition of Tropical Depression’s “Kapayapaan” by selected high school learners. This year’s activity components are as follows: UN classroom-based activities and the UN Inter-House Debate Competition. The aim is to educate students with an in-depth knowledge of what equality and freedom genuinely convey.

The event began on October 17, 2023, with UN classroom activities. The climate action exhibit, which incorporated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, was the activity for Grade 6 learners. Goal 12 of the SDG was included in a trash-formation activity for Grade 7 students, while Goal 16 of the SDG was integrated into a UN peace talk for Grade 8 students. SDG 10 was incorporated into activities for both Grades 9 and 10, with the activity for Grade 9 students being “Equality for Economic Equality” and the activity for Grade 10 students being the UN Assemblage.

Overall, one group from each section in Grades 6, 7, and 8 was picked as the winner; however, in Grades 9 and 10, only one section was the overall winner in their respective grade levels. The winner for Grade 9 is 9-Immaculate Conception, while 10-Maragondon won overall in their level.

On November 8, 2023, an Inter-House Competition for the UN Debate was organized, where representatives from different houses participated. 

Sir Jhoew Medina, the Subject Area Coordinator of the Araling Panlipunan Department, stated the following about the United Nations Inter-House Debate: “In the 25 years of Elizabeth Seton School – South’s existence, we are having our first-ever inter-house/inter-level debate competition. We are ready and open to discussing different types of social issues that are happening in our society. It’s about time that our voices are heard.” 

The competition began with the Elimination Round, where the House of St. John Paul the Second (JP2), represented by Charies Viloria, Samantha Edu, and Joaquin Dizon, went head-to-head with the House of San Lorenzo Ruiz (SLR), represented by Colleen Consorio, Athena Manalili, and Patricia Bansil. Following this, the House of San Pedro Calungsod (SPC), represented by Francheska Aguilar, Jillian Ramirez, and Geana Villanueva, took the stage to compete with the House of St. John the 23rd (J23), represented by Kale Donggon, Kalvin Asuncion, and Brent Buluran. Lastly, it was the turn of the House of St. Peter, represented by Raphael Bellas, Kirsten Virata, and Hannah Dinio, and the House of St. Paul, represented by Tracy Lola, Stephen Arroyo, and Sascha Certeza, to present their arguments. The competition was a battle of wits and intellect among these gifted individuals as they showcased their debating abilities.

After the challenging phase of the Elimination Round, the Houses of SLR, SPC, and St. Peter emerged victorious and triumphant, securing their spots in the Semi-Finals, while St. James was declared as the bye and represented by Seth Plata, Petrice Guevarra, and Claude Olegario. The said event took place on November 10, 2023, and began between the Houses of St. James and SLR. The central focus of their debate revolved around the question, “Should transgender women be a part of competitions made for AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) women?“

Following this debate, the next round began with the Houses of SPC and St. Peter. Their debate revolved around the question, “Is democracy better for countries?” 

The intense exchange of points during the Semi-Finals was an exciting and thought-provoking event that showcased the intellectual ability and fluency of the Houses of SLR, SPC, St. Peter, and St. James. Each house passionately presented their arguments and skillfully defined their points of view.

After a challenging round, during which numerous Houses competed fiercely, only two secured their positions in the anticipated Finals. These two Houses, SPC’s and SLR’s, have demonstrated their intellect and fluency. As the Finals commence, the selected topic is “Is it right for families to break up over conflicting political opinions?” Immediately after the final round, the top three winners were recognized. The House of St. James took third place, while the House of SPC took second. Finally, the House of SLR was awarded first place.

The Award Ceremony took place on November 14, 2023, during the Morning Assembly at the Catherine Seton Square. Sir Jhoew Medina presented the top three winners alongside the announcement of individual award recipients.

He highlighted the names of the talented contestants who stood out in the Elimination Round, which included Athena Manalili, Patricia Bansil, Geana Villanueva, Jillian Ramirez, Raphael Bellas, and Kirsten Virata. Moving on to the Semi-Finals, Sir Jhoew once again highlighted the outstanding contestants, in which Athena Manalili, Patricia Bansil, Kirsten Virata, and Francheska Aguilar were all acknowledged for their remarkable debating skills. Last but not least, Championship Round contestants Colleen Consorio and Patricia Bansil were recognized as the Best Rebuttal and Best Constructive Speech Speakers, respectively.

In addition to celebrating the candidates’ individual achievements, the celebration of United Nations Month 2023, which highlighted its accomplishments and ideals, was a great celebration of successes and an honor for all those who competed to grasp the theme for this year’s United Nations celebration.