UPV student wins ESU-Philippines' National Public Speaking Competition

Last year, Patricia Evangelista of UP Diliman made headlines when she won the English Speaking Union's (ESU) International Public Speaking Competition in London, England, besting contestants from 37 countries all over the world.

This year, Julie Estilo Prescott, a first year BA Literature student from UP in the Visayas might just do another ‘Patricia Evangelista stint.'

Public speaking is second nature to Julie Prescott. Since her elementary and high school years, she has been competing and making her mark in public speaking and extemporaneous tilts. As a freshman student last year, she was the official debater of UP in the Visayas for the Inter-Collegiate Debate that elevated her to the national level.

As a result of her latest involvement, Prescott was invited by ESU-Philippines to join its National Public Speaking Competition that ran from February 28 to March 1, 2005. She was then chosen as one of the two official representatives to the 2005 International Public Speaking Competition in Dartmouth House, London that will be held on May 12, 2005.

The English-Speaking Union or ESU is an international educational charity founded in 1918 to promote "international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language".

ESU has almost 40 branches in the UK and over 50 international branches in countries in every part of the world. Its mission is to bring people together and share their experiences to achieve international cooperation and understanding among nations.

As a charity foundation, ESU aims to provide a forum for international friendship through regular conferences, seminars and meetings where current affairs and issues are discussed.

In addition, ESU wants to promote English in international public speaking and debate for the support of worldwide communication and dialogue as well as encourage the enjoyment and constructive use of the language through educational programs. Other activities include international youth exchange and work experience schemes and provide and create cultural activities.

As Ms. Prescott prepares to leave for England for the May 12 competition, the Philippines is hopeful that she will bring her country pride and honor, as did her fellow UP student Patricia Evangelista. ( UPV-IPO with sources from http://www.esu.org/what/index.asp )