On the day of the hearts itself, February 14, the College of International Relations of the Lyceum University of the Philippines staged its 4th Annual Oratorical Contest at the Lyceum Auditorium. As in the last three years, KSearch Asia Consulting, Inc., who originated this project together with Dean Ambassador Reynaldo O. Arcilla of the College of International Relations, sponsored the competition. The project is aimed at addressing the dire need to continue to upgrade the proficiency of the youth in their English communication skills.
Mr. Manuel Guillermo, the Managing Director of KSearch Asia Consulting, Inc., attested to the critical “employability” factor for the graduating youth of possessing English skills. To succeed in any chosen career, Mr. Guillermo stressed, a strong English communication skill is key.
The topic around which the participants developed their oratorical materials centered on “The Youth Owning Their Own Future”. The process allowed the participants four to six hours to write down their thoughts about the topic, give a copy to the administrative panel, and then commit to memory their developed material for delivery on stage. The participants were judged according to quality of delivery, substance of material and overall impact, among others.
A highlight during this year’s proceedings was the presentation by Ms Susan Grace Rivera, a highly acknowledged thought and hands-on leader in the field of human resource and talent development. She now heads her own consulting firm, TLC, which focuses on executive coaching, among others. Her last corporate posting was being Group HR Head of the giant telecommunications firm, Globe Telecom. Ms Rivera captivated the audience with her wit and charm, while dealing on what she felt the graduating students should be preparing for when they step into the corporate world.
The Oratorical Contest at the Lyceum University of the Philippines is a corporate social responsibility initiative of KSearch Asia Consulting. KSearch is a leading Philippine executive search firm dedicated to enhance its candidates’ careers as well as deliver value to its mostly multinational clients.