Demonstrating its commitment as a facilitator of learning and catalyst for social change, Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF)—through its Center for Research, Learning, and Development (CRLD)—co-organized ‘Paghuron: An Advocacy Public Debate Series’ on August 14, 2026, at Tanghalang Melchor, NCF Main Campus.
The high-stakes debate featured student debaters from the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), who tackled the timely and vital motion: “That Naga City as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) will be better for Nagueños.”
Organized in partnership with the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC), the event convened a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including representatives from academic institutions, government agencies, barangay officials, and various sectoral organizations to engage in civil discourse on Naga City’s future direction.
In his welcoming message, Mr. Mario C. Villanueva, NCF President, emphasized the institution’s role and dedication in hosting critical dialogues that impact the broader community.
According to President Villanueva, this “dedicated platform” was designed for the City’s stakeholders—including citizenry, policymakers, and industries alike—to discuss the reclassification, where debaters’ “insights, data, and arguments will shape Naga City’s economic, social, and political future.”
The forum was facilitated by Mr. Dennis B. Gonzaga, NCPC Public Information Officer, alongside key insights shared by Dr. Emelita O. Menes, MNCCI President; Dr. Dulce Maria Abigail A. Jastio, NCPC Vice President for External Affairs; and Mr. Efren Daniel De Leon, NCPC Internal Vice President.
Exhibiting strong institutional backing, the event as attended by NCF key officials, namely, Dr. Aida P. Osea, Executive Vice President for External Linkages and Internationalization; Dr. Marilyn F. Balares, Assistant Vice President for Tertiary Education and Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE); Dr. Nico A. Ogarte, Assistant Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and Sustainability; Ms. Lorence Aster B. Pellejera, Dean of the College of Accountancy and Finance; and Dr. Agapito C. Rubio, CRLD Director.
The organizers also announced that the second leg of the debate will be staged on August 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Tanghalang Melchor—featuring an expected heated exchange of contentions between debaters from Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF) and Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST).
By hosting the Paghuron series, NCF reaffirms its institutional dedication to providing an open, research-driven platform that empowers the local community through critical engagement and participatory governance.