IRHA MEL ALFECHE

Age: 24
Height: 5 feet 8 inches
Measurements: 34 inches - 24 inches - 36 inches
Occupation/Education: Special Needs Education Graduate

Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
Throughout the years of my development, I went on a roller coaster. The fact that my parents aren't together has strengthened me as a woman because of my mother's ability to overcome any obstacle.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
I've grown more independent and committed to life's realities because I believe everything happens for a reason, and that purpose has shaped who I am now.

Most memorable moment:
When I entered a pageant in my grandfather's hometown, that is the most unforgettable event I can still recall. It was significant because, having joined three times, I was crowned queen and have remained so for the time being. I've learnt from that that pursuing your goals in life requires a great deal of hard work, persistence, and discipline.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
Simple because I have what it takes, I got what it takes and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be the next Miss Philippines Earth 2024.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
Eat Green Live Green
I believe that eating green is equally as vital as living green. My advocacy is highlighted more on Urban or home gardening because it is timely and relevant in recent times. PANDEMIC thought us to be more resourceful in terms of being innovative and valuable. Urban gardening or home gardening is a collection of simple strategies and procedures for cultivating a variety of plants in urban regions, economically or moderately inhabited towns, apartments, residences, and other areas with little or no land space.

I observed the eye-opening fact of urban gardening, which is a practice of growing plants in an urban environment because of its good influence on the economy, the ecosystem, and food security, throughout practically every barrio I've been in Camiguin Island and some other cities we have in Mindanao. If you live in a city, urban gardening is excellent work in every way.

What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
Invest in the people of your locality! To further promote eco-tourism, we must invest with the locals in terms of trainings and calibrate them with traits Filipinos are known of. That way tourist would feel comfortable, loved and carefree away from home more so they will feel invested to come back and again enjoy.