Sustainable-energy advocate Karen Ibasco crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2017

A physicist from Manila was crowned Miss Philippines Earth on Saturday, succeeding Loren Mar Artajos.

Karen Ibasco, whose advocacy is conserving energy and embracing renewable and sustainable sources of it, will represent the country in the Miss Earth international pageant later this year.

During the competition’s final Q&A portion, Ibasco was asked what change she wants to see in national environmental policies.

“In terms of environmental policies, everyone is experiencing climate change. The whole world is experiencing climate change and I’m just grateful that the Philippines signed the Paris Treaty,” Ibasco said.

“What I want to see is to pass a carbon tax. In that way, we would invest in renewable energy to help our world be a better place, greener and habitable for the whole humanity.”

The four members of Ibasco’s “elemental court” were asked the same question and below are their corresponding answers:

• Miss Philippines Water Jessica Marasigan from Caloocan City said she would like Filipinos to be educated and be made aware that global warming is real and everyone must do their part to save the planet.
• Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo from Lobo, Batangas, said: “The change that I want to see not only for our government but also for our people . . . we are already equipped with the right law. We just need to implement it and we just need to follow the rules and most importantly, keep in mind the five Rs — reduce, reuse, rethink, recycle and respect. Let us work together because it may seem difficult but it is never impossible.”
• As for Miss Philippines Air Kim de Guzman from Olongapo City, she said “change must come from within ourselves” for people to see the change “in our lives and in our country.”
• Meanwhile, Miss Philippines Fire Nellza Bautista from Villanueva, Misamis Oriental said: “I want to change the discipline here in our country. I know nothing is constant in this world but change. It’s not too late for us Filipino people to change our attitude and our minds for us to help to preserve our environment for the next generation.”
• Environmental protection is the main advocacy of the Manila-based pageant. The country has won the Miss Earth crown thrice, including back-to-back wins from Angelia Ong and Jamie Herrell in 2015 and 2014.

The coronation was held at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Miss Earth international pageant will be held at the same venue on November 4.

Story: ABS-CBN News