A debate team from the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) won the championship at the 2022 Cambridge School Finals, marking the first time in history that an Asian institution has emerged victorious in the prestigious debate tilt.
Representing ASHS at the final were Naomi Ang and Anton Abiera, both grade 12 students. Ang was also named the tournament's 9th best speaker.
In the finals, Ang and Abiera debated on the theme of sociocultural issues and social movements.
The tandem secured the win as the Opening Government in the Grand Finals against Eton College in England, Westminster School in London, United Kingdom (UK), and Wellington College in England.
Built in 1815, the Cambridge Union is the oldest speaking Union in the world.
Among the speakers who have addressed the Union in the past include spiritual leader Dalai Lama, former United States President Ronald Reagan, and former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.