CHAPTER 126: CHAPTER 126: THE START OF DEBATE 4

"Alright, we’ve heard from both second speakers. Now, let’s move on to the third speaker from the Retention side. You may begin when ready," Teacher Annie announced.

As Kim returned to her seat, she was immediately met with praise from her teammates.

Arianna gave her a pat on the shoulder to show her support, while Tala and Lyra began bombarding her with compliments, proud of how well she handled the pressure.

Celeste simply sat in her seat, not even glancing at Kim, her eyes focused straight ahead.

The girls noticed this, but they did not bother her. They were already familiar with her attitude, and it was nothing new.

Meanwhile, Michael sat down with his shirt damp from sweat.

It’s not really that hot, but it must be because the argument was in heat.

He glanced at his teammates while slowly lowering his trembling hands and was about to say something.

But before he could ask for forgiveness, Jeff stopped him with a firm pat on the shoulder.

"You don’t need to feel sorry since no one will blame you for this. The important thing is that you kept the foundation steady." Jeff said giving him a thumbs up.

"Well, sure, Kim landed a few hits, but it’s nothing we can’t recover from. Just breathe and let the rest of the team handle the rest," Jeff said to him calmly.

"Yeah, Jeff is right. It’s just a tie for now, and we still have him, Arven, and Jian to raise our chances of winning, so don’t feel sorry about it," Andre added with a grin, slapping Michael on the back.

Michael sighed in relief, and by looking at their faces, he saw no signs of blame.

That alone made him relax inwardly. After that, Teacher Annie turned to the class and spoke, her eyes settling on the next speaker, which is Jian.

He had already stood up, and unlike the earlier two, he appeared much calmer.

There was a quiet confidence in his posture, and his presence felt steady and composed.

Then a cute girl stepped forward as well, and it was none other than Jeff’s past crush, Tala.

The two stood at the center, facing each other in silence.

Without wasting time, the exchange began. Jian took a breath, cleared his throat to steady his tone, and prepared to deliver his speech with as much persuasion and clarity as he could muster.

"Good morning fellow classmates, as the third speaker of the retention side. Today I’ll be discussing something simple but important, it’s none other than opportunity."

He paused after uttering the last part, to let it linger for a while.

"I get that not everyone can go to college. And that’s okay, because with the K to 12 program, students can now graduate with TESDA-accredited skills that let them work right away. From animation to food tech, welding to bookkeeping, these are real-world skills with value in the job market."

He raised his hand slightly as if emphasizing a point.

"Also, K to 12 was designed to match the job requirements of both local and international employers. Before, high school graduates struggled to find work because they didn’t meet the qualifications. Now, with senior high, our diploma carries more weight, not just here, but globally I meant,"

Jian glanced at the opposing side, which is Tala, before continuing.

"Yes, it’s true that the extra years bring extra cost. But let’s ask ourselves, would you rather save now and struggle later? Or invest now and open more doors in the future?"

He moved a step forward, his voice carrying strong momentum.

Even Jeff and the others could feel it, especially Teacher Annie and Tala.

The power behind his words was greatly undeniable, especially it’s contents.

"Those added years don’t just teach us skills. They give us time to grow, to become more mature, and to choose better. How many students used to rush into the wrong college course or drop out early because they weren’t ready? K to 12 gives us the time to figure things out, so we don’t waste time, money, or potential."

He then looked at his classmates and gave a small nod.

"So yes, there’s sacrifice. But the long-term benefit like employability, higher income potential, and a clearer career path, is something no shortcut can offer."

He took a calm breath and ended with a sentence.

"We’re not just students anymore. we’re future professionals. And K to 12 is our training ground."

Then the alarm rang, signaling the end of Jian’s speech.

The boys clapped with genuine energy, clearly impressed by how well he delivered it.

The girls, on the other hand, were much more reserved.

They gave a light two-tap clap, then stopped altogether.

There was barely any sound from their side, but who cares?

Since their team was on the girls’ side, even that small gesture could already be seen as face-saving.

The fact that they clapped at all said enough.

"Thank you, Jian. During his speech he highlighted to remind us that not everyone needs to go to college to succeed. The K to 12 program equips senior high school graduates with TESDA-accredited skills, making them job-ready right after graduation. He also explained how the curriculum now aligns with both local and international job markets, giving students more opportunities."

She looked briefly at both teams before continuing, "Not only that, Jian also addressed the issue of cost, pointing out that while there’s an initial sacrifice, the long-term benefit is better employability and higher income potential. And lastly, he emphasized how the added years help students mature, reducing the risk of choosing the wrong college path or career."

She then gave a small smile finally ending her talk.

"A practical perspective that focuses on long-term value, thank you again, Jian."

The class clapped especially the boys, because they know that it was pretty good since teacher Annie had more to say about it compared to the two previous speakers.

"Now then, let us hear from the second speaker from the Removal side," she announced.

The moment it was her turn, Tala walked to the center with grace.

Calm and composed, she stood tall and began her speech.

"Okay, so everyone keeps talking about how K to 12 gives us better chances at jobs but let’s be real. Most students still end up in the same jobs as before like sales, fast food, even working abroad as helpers. So what really changed?"

She looked around, her expression serious different from her and lovely expression.

"They say we have skills, that we’re ’ready’, but where are the jobs? If the jobs aren’t there, then what’s the point of adding more years? It just delays us. We could have worked earlier, helped our families earlier."

Her voice rose a little, showing her frustration from the system.

"And let’s not forget, not everyone can afford to wait that long. Two extra years means two more years of spending. Allowance, uniforms, projects. For families who are barely making it, that’s a big deal." she said making a rock hard fist to her disapproval.

What she was doing looks so entertaining to watch, especially her actions everytime she deliveres her speech.

"Also, some students don’t even finish because they lose motivation. They go through all of this, then realize they’re still jobless. So it’s kind of pointless to say K to 12 gives us an advantage, when for many, it doesn’t change anything."

Teacher Annie, hearing the contents of Tala’s speech, could not help but sigh inwardly.

She shook her head in silence, but her face and expression stayed calm and composed on the outside.

Tala crossed her arms for a brief moment, then continued speaking, now introducing a new idea into her argument with clear intention.

"And sometimes, they take courses that don’t match the jobs they actually get. So even if they had a track in ICT, they still end up working in call centers, or jobs that don’t need any strand. So what’s the point?"

She looked like she was about to say more, but instead she just stood still.

"That’s why... yeah," she said, making a light order-in-the-court gesture with her hands.

"This is the bunch of reasons I have found to show that we don’t need it. That’s all, my dear classmates," she finished, stepping back to her spot with a small nod.

The boys clapped enthusiastically, clearly enjoying her delivery. While the girls clapped as well, though with less intensity.

The boys loved it not because it was deeply persuasive, but because it was different.

It’s not great but it was light, fun, and sunny. Tala’s approach made the speech entertaining, and that alone kept their attention even if the argument lacked the weight others had.

"Thank you, student Tala, in her speech just now, she questioned the effectiveness of the K to 12 program in improving employment outcomes. She argued that despite the extended years in education, many graduates still land in the same types of jobs as before. She also highlighted that these additional years could delay students from entering the workforce earlier. Furthermore, Student Tala raised concerns about the financial burden this extended program imposes on struggling families. She pointed out that some students lose motivation or drop out, and even those who finish often end up in careers unrelated to their academic strands."

"Now that both speakers are done with their respective speeches, let’s begin the interpellation," Teacher Annie announced, her voice steady as she prepared the class for the next part of the debate.

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1st: Special thanks to ’Essos👑’ – the GOAT of the month, for both the rewarding gifts and golden tickets! Much love, brotha!

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