CEBU, Philippines — When Super Typhoon Odette struck Cebu a year ago, Sofia Angelica Esgana and her family were forced to evacuate from their home.
“Our home was devastated by Odette and we were left no choice. I have seen the gaps in evacuations centers where there is no proper ventilation, no proper access to restrooms and no access to clean water.”
This traumatic experience led the 21-year-old to choose the Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) as her advocacy.
“As a person who witnessed the real problems in evacuation centers, I want to strengthen and amplify evacuation centers, which aligns with my advocacy in DPP,” she said. “I plan to create a fundraising program because this is something that needs to be addressed immediately. This is for the betterment of Cebu and the Cebuanos.”
The Entrepreneurship major from the University of San Jose-Recoletos wants to showcase the best of Cebu if ever she wins the coveted crown.
“Cebu has so much in store that I can re-introduce Cebu to the world. I am willing to work with the Cebu LGUs and the Department of Tourism if you will allow me to be your Miss Cebu 2023.” — photo by Ramon Taguchi