Irha Alfeche from Matanao, Davao del Sur. Image: Facebook/Irha Mel Inutan Alfeche
Irha Alfeche from Matanao, Davao del Sur, earned her first medal from the 2024 Miss Philippines Earth pageant and topped the swimsuit competition held in Bukidnon on Saturday, May 4, a win that gives the national search a four-way battle for the crown.
The Mindanaoan lass becomes the fourth lady to win a gold medal in the pageant, the previous ones being Ansh Lichelle Jones from Zamboanga City for the evening gown competition, Sam Samara from Makati for the beach wear competition, and Ira Patricia Malaluan from Batangas City for the “Darling of the Press” poll.
Malaluan and Samara, meanwhile, also earned their second silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the preliminary swimsuit competition held at the Malitbog Cultural Center in the town of Malitbog. The Batangaueña beauty had earlier finished second in the evening gown competition, while the Makati lass placed third in the same contest.
People lined up early for the Malitbog event, as the local government distributed free tickets to the show on a first-come, first-served basis. And queuing up long has proven to be worth it for the audience with the parade of international beauties that they witnessed.
Karla Henry, the first Filipino woman to win Miss Earth, hosted the ceremonies with Elton Ladd, while 2014 Miss Earth Jamie Herrell sat in the judging panel. Reigning Miss Philippines Earth Yllana Marie Aduana, who was crowned Miss Earth-Air in the 2023 global tilt, also graced the stage.
Twenty-nine ladies from all over the Philippines and overseas Filipino communities are competing in this year’s national search, in hopes of succeeding Aduana and represent the country in the 2024 Miss Earth pageant in Vietnam later this year.
The Miss Philippines Earth and the Miss Earth pageants were founded by Manila-based Carousel Productions to serve as a platform for promoting environmental awareness. The winners, as well as the delegates, in the two competitions are expected to spearhead projects that help save the planet.
The Philippines is the best-performing country in the Miss Earth pageant with four winners. Aside from Henry and Herrell, Angelia Ong and Karen Ibasco also both won the crown, in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
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