THE UPHSI HANGAWAY
"Where minds are ironed to forge into one mighty spear."
The official Debate Team of the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo, known as "Hangaway," meaning warrior or fighter in Hiligaynon.
membership and officers
How to Become a Member?
Section 1. Regular Membership
Open to any student of the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo who is willing to devote time and effort to cultivate debate and critical-thinking skills through meetings and workshops.Section 2. Associate Membership
Extended to previous members of Hangaway who have graduated or are former UPHSI students, provided they left as good-standing members of the organization.Section 3. Renewal of Membership
Membership shall be renewed every academic year through an external audit, where members’ debate skills are evaluated. Based on the results, members will be classified as either:Full-Pledged Member – gained through satisfactory performance in the audit and a mock debate.Associate Member – if performance does not meet full-member requirements.Additional ProvisionsThe organization accepts new regular members at the start of every academic year.Membership may also be approved upon the recommendation of the adviser, coach, or a good-standing member, subject to scrutiny by the Executive Committee and a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the organization.
Officers of the Organization
Prime Minister - Presides over all the meetings of Hangaway, signs all legal organizational documents and disbursements, represent the organization at social functions and events, and bear all other responsibilities given by the organization. The Prime Minister may delegate work to any member of good standing except to sign disbursements.Deputy Prime Minister for External Affairs - Succeed the Prime Minister upon death, resignation, removal, or permanent incapacity. They will represent the organization outside of the office under the delegation of the Prime Minister, accompany the Prime Minister in social events, have the right to advise the organization in diplomatic affairs, and perform the duties of the Prime Minister during the latter’s absence.Deputy Prime Minister for Internal Affairs - In-charge of the events inside the university under the delegation of the Prime Minister, accompany the Prime Minister in official events, have the right to advise the organization in diplomatic affairs, perform the duties of the Prime Minister during their absence, and act as the Auditor of the organization.Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs - In-charge of handling administrative matters and securing letters and permits whenever the organization needs it.Deputy Prime Minister for Finance - Collect and receive all dues from the members as well as other payments accruable to the organization, pay out the funds in his charge all approved accounts and act as custodian of all properties and funds of the organization. Together with the Deputy Prime Minister for Internal Affairs or the auditor, he/she shall render a financial report to the organization at least once at the end of every semester.Two Deputy Prime Ministers for Education - In-charge of designating matter-loading schemes, and, with the approval of the Prime Minister and the help of the Deputy Prime Minister for Varsity and Training, consolidate a matter book at the end of each academic year.Deputy Prime Minister for Varsity & Training - Make debate drill plans for the whole academic year in which they are incumbent officials of and work with the Deputy Prime Minister for Education in implementing training plans.Deputy Prime Minister for Public Affairs - Handle all social media accounts (Facebook page and Twitter account), create and publish publication materials regarding matters the club is involved with, inform all the members of the organization of the schedules, and keep the organization updated with debate-relevant information.Batch Representatives - Held accountable to the affairs of their respective batchmates, recognized as the head of their batch, and kept responsible in keeping track of the financial and communication problems of their batch.
Election Process & Qualifications
Officers are chosen via a parliamentary election. A candidate must secure a majority vote of total votes. All executive positions are elected at large, except for batch representatives.If no candidate qualifies for a position, new candidates may be nominated, and special elections will be held three days after the announcement of results.1. All candidates must have undergone debate training (within or outside UPHSI).2. Members absent during elections cannot run for office.3. Officers serve for one academic year (except the Prime Minister who cannot be re-elected to the same post; others may serve up to two terms).Specific Position Qualifications:
Prime Minister: Senior High School student, no irregularities in academic loadDeputy PM for Internal & External Affairs: Grade 10–12 student, no irregularities in academic loadOther Deputy PMs: Grade 9–12 student, no irregularities in academic load
Batch Representatives: Must come from the year level that elected themVacancies
1. If the Prime Minister is permanently unable to serve, the Deputy PM for External Affairs takes over, and a new Deputy PM for External Affairs is elected.2. If both the Prime Minister and Deputy PM for External Affairs are temporarily incapacitated, acting officers are elected until the permanent officers return.3. For other Executive Committee vacancies, the Prime Minister may appoint a temporary replacement. Permanent vacancies are filled through a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the members.
ACTIVITIES AND ACHEIVEMENTS
What Our Club Does?
As a debate organization, Hangaway provides opportunities for students to grow as thinkers, speakers, and leaders through various activities:1. Hold Trainings – Regular workshops and lectures to strengthen debate techniques, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.2. Engage in Debates and Discussions – Practice debates and open forums that encourage the exchange of ideas and the sharpening of perspectives.3. Join Competitions and Events – Represent UPHSI in interschool tournaments, conferences, and debate-related events.
Western Visayas Parliamentarian Institute
Hangaway members participated in the Western Visayas Parliamentary Institute Training Batch 1 held last October 26–27, 2024 at the Diamond Jubilee Hall, Iloilo City.**The UPHSI Debate Team was elected as part of the officers of the training batch in the recently concluded Visayas-wide Parliamentary Procedure Training organized by the Parliamentary Institute, Inc. and the Philippine Association of Teachers and Educational Leaders, Inc.Gedrick Angelo Aliponga, Deputy Prime Minister for Internal Affairs, took oath as Vice President.Isabelle Vargas, Deputy Prime Minister for External Affairs, was elected as PCO.Ayeisha Shaffiz Pajotagana, member, was chosen as Assistant Auditor.During the awarding ceremony, Aliponga was recognized as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Participants. Moreover, all participating members were accredited as Junior Parliamentarians Level 1.
Pagniningas: UPHSI Hangaway Training and Tournament
Last February 1, the UPV Debate Society spearheaded the first day of 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀: 𝗨𝗣𝗛𝗦𝗜 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, a two-day event aimed at honing the debate skills of Hangaway members. Through a series of lectures and interactive activities, participants deepened their understanding of British Parliamentary (BP) Debate, preparing them for the competitive rounds ahead.Day 1: Training Sessions
The first day featured lectures from members of the [UPV Debate Society] (https://www.facebook.com/UPVMDS):
Felice Nafarrete, Former Prime Minister – Introduction to BP Debate fundamentals and speaker rolesAaron Kate Damaso, DPM for Trainings and Education – Types of motions and the importance of framing argumentsFrancis Javier III, Prime Minister – Constructing persuasive speeches and delivering effective rebuttalsJaztine Claire Marcial, DPM for Internal Affairs – Adjudication basics and insights into debate assessment
Day 2: TournamentThe second day culminated in the much-anticipated BP debate tournament, where Hangaway members showcased their wit, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking. Teams engaged in intense rounds, debating diverse motions that tested their ability to argue logically, deliver compelling speeches, and respond under pressure.Adjudicators from the UPV Debate Society provided constructive feedback after each round, helping participants refine their skills in real time.
Awardees:
1. Ma. Jeanette Millares - Top 5 Best Speaker, Finals Best Speaker
2. Diane Lesley Deocares - Top 5 Best Speaker, Most Intense
3. Vince Jaryd Malapad - Top 5 Best Speaker
4. John Emmanuel Ocastro - Top 5 Best Speaker
5. Isabelle Faith Vargas - Top 5 Best Speaker
6. Gedrick Angelo Aliponga - Most Dramatic
7. Ayiesha Shaffiz Pajotagana - Best StorytellerBreaking Teams:
1. Opening Government (Millares and Deocares)
2. Opening Opposition (Pajotagana and Malaki)
3. Closing Government (Ocastro and Martinete)
4. Closing Opposition (Aliponga and Malapad)
🥇1st Breaking Team: Opening Government
SKILLS
Debating is more than just arguing — it’s about building skills that sharpen your mind and boost your confidence. Through different debate formats such as Asian Parliamentary, British Parliamentary, and Oxford-Oregon, members of Hangaway develop a wide range of valuable skills, including:Communication Skills1. Public Speaking – Deliver speeches clearly and confidently before an audience.2. Persuasive Thinking – Convince others with strong arguments and engaging delivery.3. Confidence – Overcome stage fright and speak with self-assurance.Intellectual Skills1. Research – Gather reliable information to support arguments.2. Reasoning – Draw logical conclusions and connect ideas effectively.3. Analytical Skills – Break down complex issues into clear, understandable points.4. Critical Thinking – Evaluate different perspectives to form well-grounded judgments.Debating in formats like Asian Parliamentary, British Parliamentary, and Oxford-Oregon trains students to think on their feet, respond under time pressure, and work effectively in teams—skills that are valuable not just in competitions, but also in school, leadership, and real-world settings.