Heritage

 Davaoeña educator wins Miss Philippines Earth 2024 crown

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

Irha Mel Inutan Alfeche, an educator from Matanao, Davao del Sur, bested all other Earth warriors to be crowned the 23rd Miss Philippines Earth winner. She was crowned by outgoing queen Yllana Marie Aduana, who is enjoying her reign as Miss Earth Air 2023.

The members of the elemental court are Feliz Clareianne Recentes of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte (Air), Samantha Dana Bug-os of Baco, Oriental Mindoro (Water), Kia Labiano of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay (Fire), and Ira Patricia Malaluan of Batangas (Eco-Tourism). Malaluan was also named Miss Hana earlier in the evening.

The five other ladies who made it to the Top 10 - Ansha Lichelle Jones (Zamboanga City), Victoria Johnson (Filipino Community of Brandon, Florida), Sam Samara (Makati City), Mary Joanne Fuentes (Maramag, Bukidnon), and Chaoncy Rich Azucena (Balungon, Bukidnon) - were all declared runners-up to the title.

The five other delegates who made it to the Top 15 were Marinell Salvador (Cabanatuan), Rin Rin Rances Raz (Lubao, Nueva Ecija), Jeyzel Ann Reyes (Filipino Community of Rome, Italy), Reyna Ruhen (Aborlan, Palawan), and Kristel Codas (Iligan City).

The coronation ceremonies opened with the reigning queens and delegates dancing to a choreographed production number decked in identical Talaandig traditional dresses. The cultural performers representing the various Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Bukidnon showcased the province's unity in diversity.

Hosted by perennial host James Deakin, with Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry, the 2024 Miss Philippines Earth coronation night was beamed live from Talakag, Bukidnon through Carousel Productions' channel on YouTube.

The outgoing elemental queens - Kerri Reilly (Air), Jemima Joy Zabala (Water), Sha'uri Livori (Fire), and Athena Claire Auxillo (Eco-Tourism) - crowned their respective successors. 

Next year, Miss Earth will celebrate its Silver Year anniversary in both local and international pageants.