𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The School of Law (SOL) of J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) officially launched the JHCSC Alliance of Mooting and Debating Circle (JAMADEC) on November 22, 2025, at the Conference Room, 3rd Floor, I.T. Building, Pagadian Extension Campus. The program, attended by Pagadian Campus Director Dr. Patricia D. Bahian, faculty, and students from all years of the five-year law program, marks a significant milestone in the school’s mission to strengthen legal reasoning, advocacy, and public speaking skills. JAMADEC is the realization of the vision of the Dean of the School of Law, Atty. Romylyn O. Regidor, who was further conceptualized with the support of the Supreme Student Council, led by Engr. Princess Eve M. Abaniel-Quiamno.

The highlight of the launch was an Asian Parliamentary debate tournament, featuring students from first to fourth year participating both as competitors and observers. Two teams, Team Primos Inter Pares representing the government bench and Team Lex Invicta representing the opposition bench, engaged in rigorous debate over two pressing motions in a parliamentary format. Four teams competed overall, demonstrating sharp reasoning and persuasive advocacy.

The motions were: “This House Believes that Anti-Corruption campaigns in the Philippines are weaponized for political gain rather than genuine reform” and “This House Would criminalize workplace discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.” The opposition teams ultimately won both motions. The first winning team comprised Opposition Leader Tristan Louie Dagalea, Deputy Opposition Leader Juliber Gamall, and Opposition Whip Frances Bea Pena, while the second included Opposition Leader Jhoanna Karl Marie Lauman, Deputy Opposition Leader Vincent Joseph Bonador, and Opposition Whip Michelle Jane Ann Suico.

Invited prosecutors served as juries, offering constructive feedback on debating techniques. They emphasized the importance of presenting direct, concise arguments that connect with the audience, delivering clear and audible content, prioritizing memorization over reading, linking responses to opposing points, and grounding conclusions in sound legal reasoning. Other key tips included confidence, proper cue usage, and the ability to engage the audience effectively.

JAMADEC was formally established to cultivate critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills among students of the SOL. Beyond campus debates, it aims to prepare students for local, national, and international moot court competitions, creating a platform for them to excel academically and professionally. Mr. Rio M. Vallejo, the convenor and newly elected president of JAMADEC, took his oath along with fellow officers on November 23, 2025, during the School of Law’s annual acquaintance party.

Reflecting on the launch, Dean Atty. Romylyn O. Regidor said, “My heart is full, full of pride for the SOL. Consider this an opportunity to improve debating, public speaking, and mooting. A law school is about forming minds, shaping character, and growing with advocacies that understand the law.” Her statement underscored the vision behind JAMADEC as not only a platform for skill-building but also a means to cultivate character and professional integrity in future lawyers.

The launch of JAMADEC marks a new era for the JHCSC School of Law, offering students a structured environment to refine their advocacy and public speaking skills, foster critical thinking, and develop the confidence necessary for success in legal practice and competitions. With this initiative, JHCSC is set to nurture the next generation of competent, confident, and socially responsible legal professionals.