Rina Andrea Delos Santos of Cagayan is Miss Philippines Earth 2026

June 29 ------ The Miss Philippine Earth 2026 pageant has chosen Joy Barcoma‘s successor, and she is Rina Andrea Delos Santos of Ballesteros, Cagayan.

Delos Santos bested 31 other aspirants at the competition held at the Malitbog Cultural Center in the town of Malitbog, province of Bukidnon, on Saturday evening, June 27.

During the final question and answer for the Top 5 finalists, delos Santos was asked: “People often remember what a queen says, but even more, they remember what she does. In the spirit of love and action, how would you honor the responsibility that comes with the crown?”

She answered, “As a community tour guide, I am not just ready for the crown, but I am ready for the environmental and global responsibility that comes with it. I guided every single day in working towards putting the Philippines in a position that is not just a model of sustainability and environmental stewardship, but also a destination of beauty. And for me, that is exactly what love and action [is]. Remember, love changes nothing unless it moves, and when it moves, it truly changes everything. Thank you.”

No Joy

With Barcoma not in attendance at coronation show, delos Santos instead received her crown from reigning Miss Earth Natalie Puskinova, who flew from the Czech Republic to take part in the staging of the national competition.

Carousel Productions, organizer of the Miss Philippines Earth and Miss Earth pageants, did not release any official statement to announce the reasons behind the decision to have the Czech queen crown the new national titleholder instead of Barcoma.

The Miss Philippines Earth and Miss Earth pageants were established in 2001 to serve as platforms for environmental awareness. The winners and candidates are called “beauties for a cause” and are expected to spearhead projects that help save the environment. “Elemental’ titles were also bestowed at the recently-concluded competition. Miss Philippines-Air was Prima Joy Alamban of Tumauini, Isabela, while Miss Philippines-Water was Alyssa Mildred Villariña of Mandaluyong City.

The Miss Philippines-Fire crown went to Patricia Anne Nichole Bangug of Agoo, La Union, while Roveelaine Eve Castillo of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte received the Miss Philippines-Ecotourism title. Delos Santos will now prepare for the 2026 Miss Earth pageant later this year, and try to post the Philippines’ fifth victory in the international competition.

Source: inquirer.net