Irha Mel Alfeche, a native of Matanao in Davao del Sur, was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2024, becoming the successor of Laguna's Yllana Marie Aduana.
Read: Yllana Marie Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna is Miss Philippines Earth 2023
The grand coronation, held in Talakag, Bukidnon, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, saw the 24-year-old graduate in Special Needs Education surpassing 28 other candidates from various provinces in the Philippines.
IRHA MEL ALFECHE'S WINNING ANSWER
In the final round, Irha and the remaining top 9 finalists were tasked to convey their reflections via hashtags, all within the overarching theme of "heritage."
Through a random draw, each contestant was assigned to represent one of the eco-tourism partner provinces of the Miss Philippines Earth pageant.
Irha got Iligan City, which is known for its falls—Maria Cristina, Limunsudan, Tinago, Mimbalut, to name a few.
Her answer:
"By the help of Miss Philippines Earth Organization, Iligan City was put in the map of the Philippines because there are a lot of tourist spots that [are] must-visit, especially their majestic waterfalls.
"And, you know, we, the candidates, have experienced a lot of things there.
"And these [are] the things that we must inform to others that Iligan can offer more to the tourists.
"So mabuhay, Iligan! Maayong gabii."
MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH 2024 RUNNERS-UP, SEMI-FINALISTS
Alongside Irha, her elemental court was also announced.
Feliz Clareianne Thea Solomon Recentes from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, was declared Miss Philippines Air 2024, while Samantha Dana Bug-os from Baco, Oriental Mindoro, claimed the title of Miss Philippines Water 2024.
Kia Labiano from Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, won the Miss Philippines Fire 2024 title. Meanwhile, Ira Patricia Malaluan from Batangas City was chosen as Miss Philippines Eco Tourism 2024.
Rounding up the Top 10 were:
- Chaoncy Rich Azucena from Baungon, Bukidnon
- Victoria Johnson, proudly representing the Filipino Community of Brandon, Florida;
- Sam Samara from Makati City
- Mary Joanne Fuentes from Maramag, Bukidnon
- Ansha Lichelle Jones from Zamboanga City
Securing spots in the top 15 semi-finalists were:
- Reyna Michelle Ruhen from Aborlan, Palawan
- Marinell Salvador representing Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
- Kristel Codas from Iligan
- Rin Rin Rances Raz from Lupao, Nueva Ecija
- Jeyzel Ann Reyes from the Filipino Community of Rome, Italy
Irha is set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Earth 2024 competition that will be held in Vietnam.
The crowning moment will be graced by reigning Miss Earth 2023, Drita Ziri of Albania.
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