Now on its fourth year running, the College of International Relations of the Lyceum of the Philippines University held on 8th December at the JPL Freedom Hall of Lyceum what has become a much-heralded oratorical competition among the senior students of the university. This competition was the combined brainchild of Mr. Manuel R. Guillermo, President and Managing Director of KSearch Asia Consulting, Inc., and Ambassador Reynaldo O. Arcilla, Dean of Lyceum’s College of International Relations. The strategic intent for the competition is to promote the importance of English language proficiency among the students, such that it allows them to be competitive in the pursuit of their careers in their chosen fields, whether diplomacy, government or business (like the Executive Search industry in the Philippines).
Last week’s competition saw seven finalists vie for the top honours which consisted of cash prizes sponsored by KSearch and for the Dean’s trophies. Representatives from the graduating students of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and International Relations participated in this year’s event.
Jonelle John Domingo, a second-time bet of the College of International Relations who emerged the first placer, won for himself the Dean’s Trophy and the cash award of Php12,000. The other contestants received their corresponding cash prizes, as well as certificates of recognition.
Mr. Guillermo, Chairman of the Panel of Judges, commended Dean Arcilla for his unwavering commitment and leadership to continue to hold the competition each year. “This has now become a wonderful tradition for the Lyceum and KSearch and I look forward to another year of intense competition and talent discovery in 2012,” he concluded.