By Francis Ryan B. Pabiania | News Writer
Vol. XCI No. 6
Sept. 6, 2019
It was an ‘unexpected’ triumph for Alliah Carmela Abella of Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial Dumaguete Science High School who bested seven other contestants on the 23rd edition of Talumpati ng Taon held at Luce Auditorium, Sept. 1.
“I didn’t expect to win at all. I was the youngest and the most inexperienced among the eight intelligent and talented competitors. It still feels surreal to actually win Talumpati ng Taon while representing my school,” Abella said.
Abella, who wrote her winning piece for almost two hours, stated that the traditional language is important for Filipinos.
“I believe that it is important for us Filipinos to keep our ‘katutubong wika’ alive by using it at home and in school, as good communication results to progress,” she said.
The 18-year-old grade 12 STEM student, shared that she didn’t even focus on the competition because of her responsibilities as the Supreme Student Government President in her school.
Abella was also the Inter-HighSchool Grand Law Oratorical Champion in 2017, Dagliang Talumpati Champion in 2018 – division level, extemporaneous speaking 2nd placer in 2017, radio broadcasting best news presenter (1st) – Regional level 2017.
However, Abella managed the pressure [of her titles] because of “strong support system” of her family, schoolmates and friends.
“My parents, schoolmates, and friends kept reminding me that this competition is just a rock along my rough road to success,” she added.
Milen Jan Rodriguez of Foundation University and Junielou Pataganao of College of Education Student Organization placed second and third, respectively.
