Newly-crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2024 Irha Mel Alfeche is just the second Mindanaoan to win in the national pageant since its inception in 2001.
She was crowned in Talakag, Bukidnon, on May 11, 22 years since April Ross Perez from Zamboanga City was proclaimed winner in the Miss Philippines Earth pageant’s second edition in 2002.
Alfeche did not screen for the national pageant, like many other candidates did. She earned her place in the contest by winning the Miss Philippines Earth-Mindanao competition held last year.
The 24-year-old delegate from Matanao, Davao del Sur, is also the second “repeater” in a row to win the Miss Philippines Earth crown. She first represented Davao City in the pageant’s 2020 edition conducted virtually.
Her predecessor Yllana Marie Aduana first joined the Miss Philippines Earth pageant in 2021. But the contest’s first “comeback queen” was 2012 winner Stephany Stefanowitz, whose first participation was in 2010.
Alfeche will also be the third military reservist to represent the Philippines in a major international competition. Before her, Miss Universe delegates Beatrice Luigi Gomez and Michelle Marquez Dee had also completed their military reservist training.
The Davaoeña educator, who studied special needs education, promoted home gardening during the national competition. “Grow what we eat, and eat what we grow,” she said.
Alfeche will represent the Philippines in the 24th Miss Earth pageant to be held in Vietnam later this year, and try to become the fifth Filipino woman to win the international title.
