Alfeche crowned Miss Philippines Earth, set for Vietnam's Miss Earth

Yllana Marie Aduana passed on her Miss Philippines Earth title to Irha Mel Alfeche of Matanao, Davao del Sur in ceremonies held in Talakag, Bukidnon on May 11.

Aduana expressed her sentiments and high expectations for the new recipient during emotional social media posts, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with wearing the crown.

The coronation ceremony also saw the crowning of four new elemental queens: Miss Philippines-Air Feliz Recentes, Miss Philippines-Water Samantha Bug-os, Miss Philippines-Fire Kia Labiano, and Miss Philippines Ecotourism Ira Patricia Malaluan.

Alfeche will represent the Philippines in the 24th Miss Earth pageant to be held in Vietnam later this year, aiming to become the fifth Filipino woman to win the international title.

The Miss Philippines Earth pageants have been moving outside Metro Manila; Aduana was crowned last year in Cebu and the 2022 contest culminated in Coron, Palawan.

Carousel Productions founded both the Miss Philippines Earth and Miss Earth pageants as platforms for environmental awareness, with winners participating in projects to help save the planet.