Eric Libay

Sapao Debate 2025 empowered Santa Monica youth with confidence, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

The Sapao Debate Training and Competition 2025 marked a milestone for youth development in the Municipality of Santa Monica, Siargao, Surigao del Norte. Designed to strengthen the skills of young leaders, the program aimed not just to train participants in debating techniques, but to cultivate critical thinking, reasoned argumentation, respectful discourse, and active citizenship—skills vital for their personal growth and for shaping the community’s future.
Facilitated by JCI Surigao North’s 2025 Local Skills and Development Director Raxiey G. Adolfo in partnership with the Local Government of Santa Monica, the training provided a safe space for the youth to express themselves, challenge ideas, and learn to back their positions with evidence and logic.
The impact goes beyond competition day—participants walk away more confident, articulate, and ready to take on leadership roles in their schools, organizations, and local initiatives. This effort reinforces the vision of Santa Monica as a community where young voices are not only heard but also empowered to make a difference.