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Wilfred Oliver Segovia (BS ME 2004) is one of two winners of the 2005 World Bank Essay Competition. His essay, titled “The Triumph of Reason: Shaping a Democratic Political Culture among Filipino Youth through Debating” highlights his experiences with one of the Ateneo Debate Society’s flagship projects, the Ateneo Debate Education Program (ADEP) used as a means of building a secure future for the Filipino youth. The theme for this year’s essay tilt was “Building a Secure Future…Seeking Practical Solutions”, which asked the youth to present their ideas on building development and security in their lives and that of others. Out of an impressive turnout of 1,300 submissions from over 100 countries worldwide, Segovia’s essay was chosen by a panel of 13 reviewers. He argues that through debate education, opportunities are presented to deepen the values and practices of democracy in the country, therefore building a secure future for Filipinos.

The ADEP is a nationwide educational program that provides lectures, seminars, and workshops that teach debate and critical thinking to students and faculties at both the secondary school and university levels. Leadership training programs, technical assistance for debate competitions, and debate training materials (such as instructional videos and manuals) are also available from the program free of charge to those who request for ADEP services. ADEP is currently in its 5th year of implementation, and on average, reaches around 2,000 participants yearly. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation is one of the ADEP’s significant contributors. The ADS has been recognized by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the ADEP, when it was awarded as one of the country’s Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations last 2003.

Segovia recently concluded his fellowship with the Singapore International Foundation last December, and was formerly the director of the ADEP. He presented his essay to the Final Jury of the Essay Competition during the World Bank’s Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics on May 23-24 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

To read Wilfred's essay, please check out the Essay Competition’s official website: http://www.essaycompetition.org.