Grade IX students of Philippine School Doha (PSD) won seven major awards in this year’s QatarDebate Grand Finals for Qatar Preparatory Schools for Boys. The competition was held at Multaqqa Student Center, Education City on May 1.
Since 2008, QatarDebate is the national debating organisation for Qatar, founded by Qatar Foundation. Throughout the academic year, QatarDebate holds a number of debate leagues and national championships for school students.
PSD’s Alijah Gabrielle Abrenica, Abbey Rommel Catalan and Aaron Joel Nepomuceno were hailed as 2024 Grand Final’s champions.
With his impactful delivery of speech and confidence, Abrenica was chosen as the "2024 QPSDL Best Speaker.” The team went through a fierce competition during the series of eliminations – from the octofinals, quarterfinals and semifinals – they successfully advanced to the grand finals along with DPS Modern Indian School.
It was the team’s determination, confidence and razor-sharp focus towards their goal of winning that brought them to the top amongst 54 teams and over 160 students from different schools of different nationalities.
The team was coached by Sherilyn Apruebo, Elmerson Baranao and Dave Buragay.
Nepomuceno who ranked 10th, Abrenica and Jean Carlisle Jaucian who tied on the 5th place and Catalan ranked 3rd were also among the awardees of the "Top Ten Best Debaters.”
PSD was also awarded the 3rd Place Open League – School Award. PSD Team consisted of Abrenica, Nepomuceno, and Lawrence Villanueva, also received the 1st Runner up award during the 2023 QPSDL Grand Finals.