Ped Xing XVII: Rethinking, rewriting, and redefining the future of education and politics
Ped Xing XVII participants
Last Feb. 21-22, 2026, at Palma Hall and University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS), the University of the Philippines Political Society, committed to its pillars of leadership, excellence, and politics, conducted the 17th iteration of Ped Xing—the premier political competition, camp, and conference for high school students in the Philippines.
In this year’s iteration, Ped Xing took on the theme “Baybayín Natin, Kabataan; Ngayon ang Kinabukasan,” highlighting the pivotal role of the youth as they stand at the crossroads where education and politics collide.
Anchored on its goal of empowering youth to engage with and understand politics, Ped Xing launched “PX Crossing Point,” an online Advocacy Film, Traditional Art, and Visual Art Competition that underscores the political nature of art, prior to the event proper.
Ped Xing XVII
Grounded on the UP Political Society’s core principles of academic excellence, political involvement, and political awareness, the competition incorporates the political science discipline in its various events, namely: Asian Parliamentary Debate, Photo Essay, Extemporaneous Speech, Quiz Bee, Collaborative Publishing, Philippine Model Congress, and the newest addition to the line-up, Politikathon (in cooperation with UP Center for Student Innovations), a specialized event that blends technology and politics, aiming to find innovative and novel technological solutions to society’s most pressing sociopolitical issues.
UST-SHS during the quiz bee competition qualifying round
The event officially commenced, with Gabriela Women’s Party representative, Hon. Sarah Elago, as the opening keynote speaker. Faithful to its focus on Education and Politics, Ped Xing also held a series of conferences aimed at imparting valuable knowledge to the youth. Some of the speakers included ARTIST, Inc. founder and chairperson, prof. Ricamela Saturay-Palis; national coordinator of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), Rachelle Junsay; and Kabataan Partylist representative, Hon. Renee Co.
In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution, a panel featuring members of Project Gunita and First Quarter Storm Movement, as well as researchers in the field, also conducted an EDSA Forum. The event concluded with a closing keynote speech from University Student Council (USC) chairperson, Joaquin Buenaflor.