Dabawenya joins 1st virtual Miss Earth PH 2020

WITH big events postponed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Miss Philippines Earth 2020 will still push through virtually.

To be taped with each contestant staying in their respective homes, the coronation ceremony will be aired on GMA7 on July 5 at 10 a.m.

This year's online pageant has 33 official candidates vying for the crown.

One of Miss Earth Philippines 2020 eco-angels is a 20-year-old Dabawenya Irha Mel I. Alfeche. Let's get to know this Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNED) student turned aspiring environment beauty queen in this quick chat we had with her online.

Question: Why did you join Miss Earth?

Answer: I joined Miss Philippines Earth 2020 to be part of the global awareness, to be an inspiration to many, and a catalyst of change.

Q: What's your focus advocacy?

A: My green advocacy is "The Rehabilitation of Mangroves", since I live in coastal Barangay Matina Aplaya. The mangroves provide shelter to our marine creatures and it lessens the possibility of flash floods. I wanted to start my advocacy in my own barangay and bring it to the country, then the whole planet.

Q: Considering that we are in the middle of a pandemic why did you still push through with the pageant?

A: I decided to push through because I believe it's my calling to be a light during the dark times of humanity, people need someone to look up and share positivity.

Q: When did you start joining pageants?

A: Since I was 10 years old, my mom always wants me to become a beauty queen, to inspire others and to be the best version of myself.

Q: Can you share the challenges and advantages of joining Miss Earth amidst the pandemic?

A: There are three challenges that I faced during this pandemic while Miss Earth is still ongoing. First, some people bullied and bashed me, second is, with the current situation, it is very hard to find resources. Lastly, our movement is limited.

But, I am happy that this online pageant helps me to inspire people through social media by spreading positivity and news from reliable sources.

Q: If you will win the crown, what will be your first move?

A: If I will be given a chance to win the title, it will be a great chance to really put my advocacy in a bigger platform, to a wider audience because I always believe that it is not about of how we came to this world but it will always be of what we did for our Mother Earth. (ASP)