Davaoeña beauty Irha Mel Alfeche bested 28 other "Earth Warriors" to clinch the Miss Philippines Earth crown, at the coronation night held in Bukidnon last Saturday, May 11.
Alfeche, a "special needs" educator from Matanao, Davao del Sur, took over the crown from Miss Philippines Earth 2023 and Miss Earth Air 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana.
The new Miss Philippines Earth clinched her win at her answer to the question, "What have you learned from your journey in Miss Philippines Earth that you would like to share with the younger generation?"
"As an educator myself, I need to educate the young ones, the children, to preserve and conserve our Mother Earth. And as an aspirant Miss Philippines Earth, we or I will be a role model in protecting our Mother Earth. Always remember, if we work hand in hand together, we can create an environment for our better future," was how she convinced the judges that she is worthy of the crown.
She also highlighted her "Eat Green, Live Green" environmental advocacy, where urban and home gardening have equal relevance in this modern time.
“Today, I am feeling extra sentimental. I am now at our rehearsals. I’m crying! One day before I relinquish my dream crown.. Wow, what a year it was. I’m not sure if I’m ready emotionally to let it go because we’ve been through the highest highs and amazing lows together. Ahh, I know I got to, and God knows I’m praying real hard that the next queen who will wear this is someone worthy enough to rear up to the responsibilities and be able to do more than what everyone of you has witnessed in the past year of my reign,” outgoing Miss Earth Aduana said on her social media page.
For this year, Miss Philippines Earth Organization has set a new elemental crown; adding to its list is Miss Philippines Eco Tourism.
Alfeche's elemental courts are Feliz Recentes of Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte, as Miss Philippines-Air; Samantha Bug-os of Baco Oriental Mindoro as Miss Philippines-Water; Kia Labiano of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, as Miss Philippines-Fire; and Ira Patricia Malaluan of Batangas City as Miss Philippines Eco Tourism.
Alfeche will vest to bring back home the fifth Miss Earth crown in the upcoming international edition of Miss Earth 2024, the details of which are yet to be revealed.
Previous Filipina Miss Earth title holders include Karen Ibasco in 2017; Jame Herrel in 2014; Angelia Ong in 2025; and Karla Henry in 2008.
Photo Credits: Miss Philippines Earth Facebook Page
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