Miss Universe PH bets promote advocacy for animal welfare, IPs

TWO Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) hopefuls are taking the initiative to advance their support for animal welfare and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

In an interview with The Manila Times, Elaine Bernales of Albay and Zoleil Mellane Taño of Occidental Mindoro addressed how vital it is for them to give a platform to what they have been striving to promote.

Bernales graduated with Latin honors from Bicol University with a degree in biology which has led her to advocate for animal welfare and said she’s also planning to pursue a career in medicine.

“I want to give back to them, hence, I am using this platform to amplify the calls and issues of every animal organization that are sometimes overlooked by many,” said Bernales.

“It is important to educate people about responsible pet ownership as well as animal cruelty so that a safer and healthier environment is built for everyone, including fur animals,” she added.

Taño, a financial management student at Divine Word College in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, is passionate about empowering IPs, particularly the Mangyan in her native province.

“I advocate for the Mangyan Education Center, a community extension service program of my school that aims to uplift the lives of the Mangyan youth by giving them free education,” said Taño.

“Within the center, they cultivate essential skills such as poultry farming, duck farming, rice farming, botanical gardening, bread and pastries, and many others, as we also try to uphold their dignity while preserving their culture,” she added.

MUPh 2024 will be the fifth Miss Universe Philippines pageant, taking place on May 22, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines.

This edition would be the first to have representatives selected by local pageants under the Miss Universe Philippines Accredited Partners Program.