By Robert Requintina
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE, Zambales — A freelance model from Olongapo City was crowned at the first-ever Miss Econest 2018 pageant early Sunday morning at the Subic Convention Center, here.
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The winners of the first Miss Econest 2018 pageant were crowned at the Subic Convention Center in Zambales early Sunday morning. From left: Leandrea Batingan, 2nd runner-up; Christine Juliane Opiaza, Miss Econest 2018; and Nicole Minano, 1st runner-up. (Photo by Robert R. Requintina / MANILA BULLETIN)
The pageant was a nationwide search for a woman who will promote environmental awareness, particularly in the area of proper solid waste management.
Pageant veteran Christine Juliane Opiaza bested 16 other candidates for the pageant title that will serve as a tool to elevate the use of recycled or upcycled materials as the new status symbol for the elite.
First runner-up honors went to Nicole Minano, of Romblon; while Leandrea Batingan, of Bulacan, 2nd runner-up.
Winners of special awards were Sheena Zaldivar, Dapitan City, Miss Congeniality; and Best In Evening Gown; and Miss Photogenic, Batingan.
Coeli Fiel, president and CEO of Econest and over-all pageant chairperson, says part of the advocacy of Miss Econest 2018 contest is to promote awareness on proper solid waste management as an entry point for sustainable development.
The pageant is organized and promoted by the Econest Waste and Management Corporation in partnership with the provincial government of Bataan. Other members of the team were lawyer Riza Lumbera, head, finance committee; lawyer Sos Sian, head, Secretariat and Overall Logistics and Operations; lawyer Jui Tongco, head, creatives; Estien Quijano, director, fashion and style; and Concon Sinel, fashion director.
Fiel also says that part of the proceeds of the event will go to the proposed Ecoguardians Foundation, a non-profit organization of volunteers from different sectors such as seniors, youths, solo parents, persons with disabilities, barangay health workers, fishers, and the like who have been effective partners of local government units implement proper solid waste management.
Through the Foundation, Econest also plans to set up a Shelter for Abused Women and Children within the premises of the Hermosa Sanitary Landfill Facility, with skills training on recycling and upcycling waste materials as an entry point for rehabilitation and therapy for victims of domestic abuse, bullying and human trafficking.
Source: news.mb.com.ph
