Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) and Silay City Mayor Mark Golez congratulated Riah Angelica de Ocampo who made it to the top 10 in the Miss Philippines Earth 2021 virtual pageant finals held on Sunday, August 8.
Benitez congratulated de Ocampo of Silay City, Negros Occidental, for a strong Top 10 finish. “Bugal ka sang (you are the pride of Third District”, he said.
Golez also congratulated de Ocampo on behalf of the entire Silay City. “We are proud of you,” he said.
“De Ocampo brought honor and glory to the city for representing it with class and brilliance. She surely made every Silaynon proud. She didn’t only put Silay City in the national stage but she also excellently embodied every Silaynon’s passion – representing our rich cultural history with pride,” Golez said.
De Ocampo, 26, a tourism management graduate of La Consolacion College-Bacolod and a Philippine Airlines flight attendant, was one of 68 contestants at the pageant.
During the final question and answer segment of the pageant she was asked: “You have goals in life and things you want to do, given the ongoing pandemic with lots of restrictions how to you plan to move forward?”
De Ocampo’s reply was: “There is no doubt that the pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives and I believe that it is important to remember – let us all stay strong, and this pandemic cannot stop us from achieving our goals. I myself, it’s my dream to be on this Miss Philippines Earth pageant, I am so grateful for this opportunity so let us all stay strong, let us all stay safe, let us follow health protocols and be a part, share our part so that we will not only protect ourselves but also our loved ones and our community.”
Naelah Alshorbaji from Parañaque City was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2021.*