Irha Mel Alfeche is Miss Philippines Earth 2024
Davao del Sur's Irha Mel Alfeche has been crowned as Miss Philippines Earth 2024.
Alfeche, a native of Matanao in Davao del Sur, bested 28 other candidates at the pageant's coronation night held on Saturday, May 11, at Talakag, Bukidnon.
She was crowned by Miss Earth Air 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana.
During the pageant's Q&A portion, Alfeche and the rest of the top 5 were asked one question by host James Deakin: "What have you learned from your journey in the Miss Philippines Earth that you would like to share with the younger generations?"
The 24-year-old beauty queen's winning answer highlighted the role of education in preserving and conserving Mother Earth.
"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, 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," Alfeche explained.
Alfeche also bagged the gold medal in the Swimsuit Competition and was hailed as Miss Philippines Earth - Manolo Fortich 2024.
Meanwhile, this year's elemental queens include Feliz Clareianne Thea Solomon Recentes of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte (Miss Philippines Air 2024), Samantha Dana Bug-os of Baco, Oriental Mindoro (Miss Philippines Water 2024), Kia Labiano of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay (Miss Philippines Fire 2024).
Ira Patricia Malaluan of Batangas City, on the other hand, emerged as Miss Philippines Ecotourism 2024.
'I am here with a purpose'
This year's Miss Earth Philippines pageant marks the second time Alfeche vied for the coveted crown. The first was in 2020 where she ended up as one of the semi-finalists.
Alfeche geared up for this year's edition of Miss Earth Philippine bearing "Home Gardening" as her advocacy. Through this, she wanted to uplift the idea of "Eat Green, Live Green", which, according to her, is "any community's key to sustainability."
Aside from that, Alfeche is a Special Education (SPED) Teacher, an athlete, and a Philippine military reservist.
Alfeche is set to represent the Philippines in the 24th Miss Earth pageant in Vietnam. The pageant's winner will be crowned by Miss Earth 2023, Albania's Drita Ziri.