#NEWS | PH takes home first WUDC
by Dirk Erwin D. Tardecilla
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the Philippines, represented by David Africa and Tobi Leung of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), won the top title in the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) held in Madrid from December 27 to January 4.
The duo bested teams from Princeton University (United States), Tel Aviv University (Israel), and Sofia University (Bulgaria) in a debate on the motion of whether or not a world where all persons have a strong belief in Ubuntu — which asserts that people’s obligations and identities should be shaped by their communities — is preferable.
Following the British Parliamentary format, the Philippine team debated as opening opposition, actively sparring against the opening government under the Sofia University team.
Words from the podium
Over the course of the debate, the government bench defended the motion’s premise, stating that it is a world that is more productive, politically engaged, united, and beneficial to people who are very reliant on their respective communities.
The opposition bench consistently rebutted these arguments, stating that such a world is less happy, tolerant, and accountable — and even more conflict-ridden and problematic — for members of the community.
Africa, the team’s leader of the opposition, argued that the universality of Ubuntu makes communities more conservative, inflexible, and prone to impunity.
“All people believe that they have an obligation to [the] community on Government[‘s side] but do not necessarily fit in,” he posited.
In response to the opening government’s “no man is an island” foundation, Africa, together with the later deputy leader of the opposition Leung, refuted the opposing side’s contingent premises. The team later countered that people should decide their obligations and path in life to develop a sense of identity and individuality needed for progress and engagement in society.
“It’s in their [Government’s] world where individuals are less likely to consider what outcome is best for society because they don’t view themselves as having that role and that responsibility,” Leung stated.
This remains one of the heavily cited arguments that is said to have paved the way for the Ateneo team’s win.
Public reactions and accolades
Many public figures, such as Raoul Manuel of the Kabataan Partylist, ADMU president Fr. Roberto Yap, and Atty. Chel Diokno, praised the duo for their outstanding performance.
The group also received numerous accolades from the public, who praised the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of both Leung and Africa for competitive debating.
“The period of regaining the motivation and inner strength to try again was difficult,” Africa said. “It means the world to give this journey the closure and the satisfaction of a job well done.”
Many people paid attention to the motion, with various social media users sharing their thoughts on Ubuntu and individualism, even connecting these views to current and controversial political ideologies.
Friction also arose as some people criticized the team’s position in the finals without knowing that their position of opposition had been set at the start of the competition.
Nevertheless, the team now rests, crowned in laurel, knowing that they have brought the Philippine’s first win in the WUDC since its inception.
*ERRATUM: An earlier version of this article mentions that this is the first time an Asian country has gotten into the finals of WUDC since 2004. This has now been edited out upon verification.
