Excellence and community.
That is how Tournament Director Mia Alcantara describes the Diliman Debate Open (DDO) 2026, held onsite at UP Diliman last January 17–18.
Serving as a Pre-National Debate Championship (Pre-NDC) tournament, DDO 2026 gathered debaters from across the country in the British Parliamentary format. With four preliminary rounds and breaks for Open, Schools, and Novice categories, the tournament became both a battleground and a training ground for teams preparing for Nationals.
“The Diliman Debate Open is the culmination of what the UP Debate Society stands for,” Alcantara said.
Although this year’s pool was smaller, Alcantara noted that it remained “highly competitive,” with many participants gearing up for NDC. That shared goal, she said, shaped not only the quality of the rounds but also the atmosphere outside them.
Behind the Scenes
For Deputy Tournament Director Aya Loyola, the experience was both overwhelming and formative. Newly inducted into the UP Debate Society, she stepped into a leadership role while coordinating with members she had barely met in person.
“What I discovered was how critical clear communication became in making the event work out,” Loyola shared.
Preparation was compressed, with manpower split across other projects earlier in the year. Some venues were initially unresponsive. Even socials night faced a minor hiccup when utensils were unevenly distributed across tables.
The solution? Redistribution—and composure.
“Despite feeling overwhelmed during prep and being stressed on the day itself, seeing the event unfold successfully made it all an incredibly fulfilling experience,” Loyola said.
More than just competition
Beyond competition, organizers emphasized accessibility and discourse. DDO welcomed observers and high school participants, allowing beginners to watch experienced debaters engage complex political, ethical, and social issues in real time.
“These tournaments are accessible opportunities to learn,” Loyola and Co-Deputy Tournament Director Kiel Mirandilla said in a joint message. “They are ways to have important and relevant discussions about our society and are able to bring together a community filled with kindness and compassion.”
They pointed to moments not only of triumph but also of vulnerability where the debate community showed warmth and support.
Now, with NDC concluded and the circuit shifting into Asian Parliamentary (AP) season, DDO 2026 stands as a marker of preparation and continuity. It reinforced standards ahead of Nationals, sustained onsite tournament culture, and strengthened a community that extends beyond the break rounds
For the UP Debate Society, DDO remains what Alcantara calls a “full circle moment”—a space where debaters sharpen arguments, build friendships, and keep the tradition of Philippine competitive debating alive.
The UP Journalism Club is an official media partner of Diliman Debate Open 2026.
