Good day to our esteemed adjudicator, to my fellow members of the opposition, and to the members of the government.
Now, gaining the idea of independence,
the opposition attests that Mindanao iseconomically incapable of being an independent state supported by the following resons
Mindanao Secession (Economy)
PRO
OPENING STATEMENT :
● Self-sustainability: Mindanao's resource wealth ensures economic
independence.
● Regional Cooperation: Collaborating with nearby nations enhances
economic stability.
● Mindanao lacks support from the state.
A. The island lacks support from the country.
a. Mindanao is underdeveloped.
b. They lacked funds.
I. Economic Disparities:
● Mindanao has historically lagged behind Luzon and Visayas in terms of
economic development indicators such as GDP per capita and poverty
incidence.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Mindanao consistently
registers higher poverty incidence compared to Luzon and Visayas. In 2018, the
poverty incidence among families in Mindanao was recorded at 27.2%, higher
than the national average of 21.0%.
● Source: PSA - 2018 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics
II. Infrastructure
It is uneven as rural areas lack basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and
utilities.
● Source: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) notes the need
for significant investments in infrastructure in Mindanao to
support economic growth and improve connectivity within the
region and with other parts of the Philippines.
III. Conflict and Security Concerns:
● Persistent conflict and security concerns in some parts of
Mindanao, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and
armed conflict, have impeded development efforts. [Ex. ISIS |
War in Marawi].
B. Mindanao can stand on their own | ECONOMIC BASED.
OPPOSITION
OPENING STATEMENT :
● Economic reliance on the Philippines.
● Security risks without Philippine military support.
● Lack of international recognition.
How will this affect/be a loss in the country.
1. Unconstitutional | Legal and Constitutional Challenges
● Possible rebuttals: If it's unconstitutional, then how did East Timor
successfully do it?
a. East Timor/Timor-Leste, used to be a part of Indonesia until
they formally went to the UN (United Nations) to ask for a
separation in the said country. If it's unconstitutional, then
how come Timor-Leste succeeded?
The PH Cont. affirms the unity and territorial integrity of the nation, making
secession a legally challenging proposition. Moreover, International law
generally upholds the principle of territorial integrity, making it difficult for
regions within existing states to achieve independence unilaterally.
2. Economic Viability
● Mindanao being the second largest island in the country.
● Mindanao may possess abundant natural resources and economic
potential, transitioning to an independent state would present
economic challenges. The region would need to establish its
currency, trade agreements, and economic policies, as well as
develop institutions to Dmanage its economy effectively.
● Economic viability and sustainability would depend on factors such as
the ability to attract investment, diversify industries, and manage
public finances.
3. Social and Cultural Dynamics
❖ The possibility of independence may be impacted by the diversity of
ethnic, religious, and cultural groups that call Mindanao home.
Building consensus and togetherness among the people in the region
would require addressing issues of identity, language, and historical
grievances. A legitimate and stable independent Mindanao would
depend on maintaining inclusion and social cohesiveness.
 I. Agricultural Productivity:
● referred to as the "food basket" of the Philippines due to its
significant agricultural output.
● contributes a large portion of the country's total agricultural
production.
● Mindanao produces the majority of the Philippines' banana and
pineapple exports.
Supporting Fact: According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA), in 2020, Mindanao accounted for 42% of the country's total banana
production and 79% of its pineapple production (PSA).
II. Natural Resource Wealth
● Mindanao is rich in natural resources, including minerals, forests, and
marine resources.
● The region hosts significant deposits of gold, copper, nickel, and other
minerals.
Supporting Fact: According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Mindanao
holds 34% of the country's total metallic mineral reserves and 77% of its total
gold reserves (Mines and Geosciences Bureau).
III. Strategic Location for Trade:
● Mindanao's strategic location makes it a potential hub for trade and
commerce, also within the larger ASEAN region. – international
shipping routes offer opportunities for trade expansion.
Supporting Fact: the Davao International Container Terminal in Mindanao
serves as a major gateway for goods entering and leaving the region (Philippine
Ports Authority).
IV. Emerging Industries and Economic Zones
● Mindanao is witnessing the emergence of new industries and economic
zones, which can drive economic growth and job creation.
Supporting Fact: The Davao Region, designated as a Special Economic
Zone and an Agro-Industrial Economic Zone, attracting investments in
manufacturing, agribusiness, and logistics. These developments indicate the
4. International Recognition and Relations
❖ Gaining international recognition as a sovereign state would be a
major challenge. The majority of nations uphold the idea of territorial
integrity and are hesitant to assist secessionist movements in the
absence of parent state approval. It would take significant
diplomatic work to get diplomatic recognition and build relationships
with other countries, and the Philippine government might oppose
these attempts. – obv. because Mindanao leaving will affect their
economy.
5. Security
❖ Conflict and instability have occasionally affected Mindanao,
frequently as a result of problems with poverty, inequality, and
ancestral animosities. The process of becoming independent can
increase already-existing conflicts or introduce new security risks.
Establishing effective governance structures, rule of law, and security
institutions would be crucial for maintaining stability and addressing
security threats. | in connection with number 3. (Social and Cultural
Dynamics)
CONCLUSION:
The opposition side confirms that
____________________
-
- Mindanao contributed 3.24 trillion this 2022 compared to luzon
- Compared to luzon and visayas, mindanao has a higher loss
index
- Marawi war, cost 6 million loss, might cost more taxes??
- Cost of the wars the national government used, na dapat daw
nagamit daw siya for econmic gworth
- Wars - study made by rappler, giv 2.6 billion will not happen
- Strengthen ties of fellow countries
- Mindanao does not of full power of its economy,
- The philippines
- THE TRADE OF
region's potential to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on traditional
sectors.
V. Diversity and Tourism Potential
● Mindanao's rich cultural heritage and natural attractions; It is home to
diverse indigenous communities, historical landmarks, and pristine
beaches.
Supporting Example:
Mindanao's Siargao Island is becoming well known throughout the world as a
top surfing location. Mindanao may utilize its natural and cultural resources to
draw tourists from both domestic and foreign markets, creating jobs and income
through appropriate infrastructure development and tourism promotion.
Cross Dressing
PRO
Opening Statement
• dep ed has directed the strict implementation of it executive order protecting
the community against gender based violence and discrimination
• dep eds memo reminding regional directors and school heads
: E.O. 32 series of 2017, or the Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy in
line with the gradual return to in-person classes.
Hence, this house stands that cross dressing should be implemented in senior
highschool of the School of St. Anthony as —-
1. As per the 1987 Constitution Article III, Section 4, of Bill of Rights
that states “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of
expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
2. Promotion of Inclusivity and Acceptance
"Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity" attests that that
fostering inclusive settings—which includes supporting gender nonconforming
behaviors like cross-dressing—improves students' mental health and general
wellbeing. It lessens feelings of loneliness and promotes a sense of belonging
among people of different gender identities.
3. Respect for Individual Autonomy
The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes the importance of
1. Mindanao
OPPOSITION
Opening Statement
Cross-dressing refers to the act of wearing clothing typically associated with a
gender different from one's own. It involves wearing clothing, accessories, or
other items that are culturally or socially designated as being for individuals of
a different gender.
In line with this, this house stands that cross dressing shouldn’t be
implemented in senior highschool of the School of St. Anthony as —-
1. Anthonians should abide by the Student Handbook of SSA
specifically on page 43, Section 1, tackling the regular uniform.
2. SSA is a catholic school, cross dressing may be a violation of
religious values.
3. Lack of protection for LGBTQ+ Individuals.
4. May lead to transvestic disorder, affecting oneself and their
relationship with other people.
SSA Student Handbook
● As per Section 1. Regular uniform, the student handbook states the
prescribed daily uniform.
● For male students, they are required to wear a maroon shirt with logo
and gray pants. As for women, they are required to also wear a
maroon polo shirt with logo and a gray pencil-cut skirt or pants.
● The student handbook also states that a student who fails to wear
his/her complete uniform will not be allowed to enter the campus.
respecting individuals' autonomy and self-expression, including their gender
identity and expression. Allowing cross-dressing in religious private schools
aligns with this principle and supports students' rights to express themselves
authentically.
4. Alignment with Religious Values of Love and Compassion:
Certain theological doctrines place a strong emphasis on accepting, loving, and
caring for others. Cross-dressing is acceptable in religious private schools and
may be seen as an extension of these ideals, encouraging tolerance and
compassion for those who identify as other genders and express themselves in
different ways.
Supportive evidence: Gender and Development (GAD) clubs that are practiced
in Public Schools.
5. Alleviates Gender Dysphoria:
Cross-dressing can reduce distress associated with gender dysphoria,
enhancing well-being. (from the "International Journal of Transgender Health.")
6. Fosters Community Support
Engaging in cross-dressing connects individuals with supportive communities,
combating isolation. (Supported by organizations like "Transgender Law Center"
and "GLAAD.")
Contradiction with Religious Doctrine
● Catholic teachings often uphold traditional gender norms and may
view cross-dressing as contrary to these beliefs.
● The problem of transvestism, or men dressing as women and vice
versa, is addressed in Deuteronomy 22:5. The Hebrew word
translated as "abomination" means "a disgusting thing, abominable,
in the ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages), in the
ethical sense of wickedness." God commands in this passage that a
woman is not to wear that which pertains to a man, and a man is not
to wear that which pertains to a woman, for all who do so are an
"abomination."
● This is the truth for the Catholic people
Lack of protection agains’t LGBTQ+ Individuals | Are they accepted or
tolerated?
● According to the Human Rights Watch in a report, Students across
the Philippines experience bullying and discrimination in school
because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
● In line with this, the Fuller Project Organization states that there is
currently no national legislation that would protect LGBTQ individuals
from discrimination in the Philippines, as the Sexual Orientation and
Gender Identity and Expression or more commonly known as the
SOGIE Bill is yet to be passed
Transvestic Disorder
● Transvestic Disorder, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is a psychiatric diagnosis
characterized by recurrent and intense sexual arousal from
cross-dressing. They also added that Transvestic Disorder can cause
significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other
important areas of functioning.
● As per the Psychology Today website, An individual with transvestic
disorder may experience depression, guilt, or shame because of their
urge to cross-dress.
○ This interferes with their romantic relationships or marriages
with women.