Voices of the Future: The Young Cicero Oratorical Contest Lights Up INHS Foundation Day

By: Charisse Saccuan

On March 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the historic Gabaldon Building in INHS became the heart of powerful speeches and inspiring words. As one of the much-awaited activities of the Isabela National High School Foundation Day Celebration, the Young Cicero Oratorical Contest, proudly presented by Class 1967, brought together students, teachers, alumni, and visitors to behold a war of wit and oratory skills. The theme, "Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Its Impact on Academics," challenged the contestants to delve into the pressing issues of AI and its influence on education.

The air inside the hall was rife with anticipation. The grand stage was bedecked with shiny gold drapery and had a big "YCOC 2025" written on it in bold letters. The stage was a beacon of prestige that brought brightness and a social glow among the competitors. Blue and yellow balloons decorated the stage, giving the event both an air of celebration and elegance. The rows of spectators, neatly suited, filled the hall; their faces were fresh in excitement, and they were all on tiptoe and looking toward the stage, waiting for the first speaker to step forward.

Breathing in and taking a stand, the contestants laid down their speeches with resolve. Some rose with relentless enthusiasm in their voices, while others stood equally steady and decided, letting every word linger in the air. Their faces told the story: some eyes glowed with confidence, while others just flickered nervously. Yet, every speaker held his or her ground and let the weight of the words mesmerize the audience.

The esteemed panel of judges—Dr. Salome S. Cariño, Mr. Fermin Rios Valdez Jr., Mr. Valentino A. Tiburcio, Mrs. Luciana M. Emanuel, Mrs. Jesusa Pannig Cabrera and Engr. Rosula San Jose - Reyes watched with keen eyes, analyzing every movement and tone and carefully crafting the essay. The judges scored the contestants based on how deep their ideas were, how strong their voices sounded, and how well they connected with the audience. Each speech lasted three to five minutes and gave a clear picture of how AI affects education, making people think about its good and bad sides.

The audience reacted with admiration, some nodding in agreement at particularly thought-provoking statements, and they broke out into applause after each contestant was done speaking. A cultural presentation midway through the contest was a refreshing interlude. Dancers clad in vibrant Filipino attire gracefully swept across the stage, their rhythmic steps harmonizing with the traditional music. There was then silence as a soloist took to the stage, her voice rising with raw emotion while she sang "Mutya ng Pasig,” leaving the crowd in awe.

As the final contestant stepped down, a collective sigh of relief resonated in the room. Some heaved an anxious sigh, hands slightly trembling, while others held on to their composed smiles, waiting for the decision. The judges whispered in hushed tones, weighing their scores very carefully. The anticipation got denser by the second until finally, the winners were revealed.

Amid loud cheers from the crowd, Johanna Babaran was named the champion, her powerful speech filled with confidence and descriptive words. Lhord Jedrick Mauricio took 1st place with his commanding presence and convincing message, while Gian Rinion’s heartfelt words touched both the audience and judges, earning him 2nd place.

A burst of happiness swept through the room as the winners were handed their awards. They were given cash awards, plaques, and certificates, while their coaches were also awarded for their efforts and assistance.

As the event drew to a close, the echoes of powerful words and passionate speeches lingered in the air. The Young Cicero Oratorical Contest was not merely a competition. It was a platform for intelligent thoughts, a celebration of oratory, and a demonstration of the power of words. It was an opportunity where young orators defined the future, demonstrating that with confidence, knowledge, and the right words, they could make a difference.