Ligao plays host to Miss Earth 2022 preliminary competition

By Cyryl Montes

LEGAZPI CITY, --- Ligao City hosted the pre-pageant event of 24 Miss Earth 2022 candidates held Nov. 21 and 22. The event also highlights the promotion of the city’s environmental tourism.

“We expect to be able to highlight the tourism spots here to introduce beautiful beaches, mountains, resorts, and enhance our tourism in the future,” Mayor Fernando Gonzalez said.

The preliminary competition was staged at the M Plaza event grounds at Batang Village, Ligao City on November 21.

On November 22, delegates had Eco-Tourism visit in the city exploring the Kawa-Kawa natural park, Bambusetum, and Paayahayan sa Bulod.

Miss Earth winners

Jessica Cianchino of Canada bags the crown as Miss Earth 2022.

Belgium was declared as Miss Earth Air Ligao, Colombia- Miss Earth Water Ligao, Australia-Miss Earth Fire Ligao, and Indonesia as Miss Earth Tourism Ligao.

Winners in long gown competition were Sheyla Ravelo Perez from Cuba, Gianella Paz from Peru and Andrea Aguilera of Colombia. Australia received a special award as Miss Infinity Closet.

Every candidate showcased their talent and wit on the said event.

MAYOR Fernando Gonzalez exchanges pleasantries with Panama’s Valerie Solis (left) and Peru’s Gianella Paz (right) as he also personally extends his thanks to the ladies for their participation in the conduct of mangrove tree planting in his city. PIA5/Albay

The coronation night will be held on November 29 in Metro Manila.

Candidates also shared their advocacies during the press conference held at the Ligao City Hall.

“I would like to empower the people that individual steps matter, we can make difference no matter how small it is,” Jessica Cianchino of Canada said.

“Small steps like, recycling and reusing clothes respectfully, you can take this small step in your own daily life and make the big step, if we do this together, we will really change environmental problems,” Cianchino added.

Delegate from Nepal, Ms. Sareesha Shrestha emphasized that Miss Earth is an advocacy- driven pageant.

“It collides platform to women like us about environmental concerns that is happening, while promoting the city and its environment is a good exposure,” Shrestha stated.

As an environmental advocate, Mayor Gonzalez cited that caring for the environment is their primary concern. Tourism, he said, is a product of environment.

“Without environment we don’t have future, we have beautiful products, we want to enjoy all the fruits that this planet has to offer…to do that, we have to be concerned, preserve, and make sure that every step we make, we will consider our environment,” Gonzalez said.