University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, February 21 and 22, 2026– Ped Xing, the premier political competition, camp, and conference for high school students in the Philippines, just held its 17th iteration with the theme “Baybayin Natin, Kabataan; Ngayon ang Kinabukasan,” which is a yearly event organized by the University of the Philippines Political Society (UP POLSCi) that aims to highlight the pivotal role of the youth on the crossroads where education and politics collide.
The two-day event started off with Gabriela Women’s Party representative, Hon. Sarah Elago, as the opening keynote speaker, and wrapped up by a closing keynote speech from the University Student Council (USC) Chairperson, Joaquin Buenaflor,
Incorporating the political science discipline and the core principles of political awareness, involvement, and academic excellence, seven competitions were held alternatingly in the UP Integrated School (UPIS) and Palma Hall (AS), namely, the: Asian Parliamentary Debate, Photo Essay, Extemporaneous Speech, Quiz Bee, Collaborative Publishing, Philippine Model Congress, and the newest addition to the line-up, Politikathon.
Aside from competitions, three conferences were also held, together with an EDSA Forum which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.
These featured notable speakers, including ARTIST, Inc. founder and chairperson, Prof. Ricamela Saturay-Palis; National Coordinator of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), Rachelle Junsay; Kabataan Partylist Representative, Hon. Renee Co; and a panel consisting of members from Project Gunita and the First Quarter Storm Movement.
Prior to these, the Ped Xing team also launched the “PX Crossing Point” weeks before the event proper, consisting of the Advocacy Film, Traditional Art, and Digital Art Competitions, aiming to emphasize the role of art and expression as political commentaries reflecting salient societal issues.
“The youth must go beyond merely what is taught. We must redefine what education can be: a process that not only prepares us for tomorrow, but empowers us to act in the present,” said Ace Banatao and Patrick Ulibas, heads of Ped Xing XVII.