KATE CAMILE PIOQUINTO
Age: 25
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Measurements: 31 inches - 22 inches - 35 inches
Occupation/Education: Licensed Professional Teacher
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
My upbringing in a simple home with limited resources served as my encouragement to follow my goals. I still vividly recall my older brother and I selling ice candy, jackfruit, and yema in our neighborhood and even at school to supplement our pocket money for everyday costs at school. However, despite those setbacks, I still relished my early years, especially spending time with my relatives and playmates, who added to the magic. My motivation to complete my education and make up for my parents' sacrifices has come from watching them struggle to meet our basic needs. They say at these ages we were young and naive, they had no idea that we eventually grow up to face the realities that life presented to us on a daily basis. Although I had bittersweet feelings about those years, I was grateful that they had occurred because I had gained valuable life lessons about being ambitious, powerful, and motivated.
What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
There's no such thing as guaranteed in life. As a child, I used to wonder a lot of hypothetical questions, such as what if I succeeded, what if I didn't, and what if I couldn't. However, you know what I've discovered in life—you have to take chances regardless of the outcome if you want to avoid regretting your decisions. There are decisions to be made in every part of life, so you must use discernment and wisdom. The experiences I had as a youngster shaped the woman I am now: one who is willing to face her anxieties and who, when faced with difficulties, will not give up easy because she has a great faith in God and her whole self.
Most memorable moment:
The most memorable event in my life occurred when I passed the first take of the Teacher Licensure Examination. This is the nicest gift I've ever received, and it's also the best gift my parents could ask for because it shows how much the sacrifices they made have paid off. Since I didn't enroll in a review center and instead decided to take a chance and try my luck, I was quite terrified when the results were announced. And by God's grace, I succeeded! Because I will bring this for the rest of my life and no one can take it away from you, it was a new type of delight. I will always treasure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
Being an eco-warrior and educator is the most satisfying feeling in the world. Along with teaching the pupils about your subject, you are also instilling in them a love of mother nature. My main motivation for wanting to participate in Miss Earth Philippines is to let people know about my environmental aims and my desire to truly follow my passion. It will be a tremendous accomplishment on my part if Miss Earth Organization serves as my compass in carrying on with what I have started. And if given the chance, I know that my passion for the environment will not go to waste with this organization. If I can positively impact my kids' lives by teaching them, I know that it will also serve as a catalyst for people to come together and remember the importance of protecting the natural world.
What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
I'm speaking up in favor of ERADICATING DEFORESTATION and STRENGTHENING REFORESTATION. Actually, I started this advocacy back in 2022, but sadly it was shelved due to a lack of funding and the absence of sponsors who would have helped with the project. Because of this, there's a good probability that this project will receive funding and the organization will be able to carry out its objective if I can establish a connection with it. I am here not just to compete for the title; rather, I have a vision of pursuing my objectives and making my ambitions for the environment come true.
What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
Every city, municipality, or even province should prioritize eco-tourism since it will attract investors who will boost local economies by knowing that a large number of tourists are visiting their destination. And since the Miss Earth contestants represent a variety of cities, towns, and provinces, I see Miss Earth as a means of advancing ecotourism, which will be crucial to the advancement of our nation.
