CEBU, Philippines - The newly-proclaimed Miss Teen Earth Philippines 2014 will make Mandaue City as show window of her programs in educating the people of proper waste disposal, especially in addressing the pollution problem of Butuanon River.
Fourteen-year-old Vanessa Mae Walters, a second year high school student of Bright Academy in Banilad, Cebu City, visited Mandaue City Hall yesterday afternoon after her arrival from Manila where the environment-advocating pageant was held.
Vanessa, whose father an Australian National, now lives with her mother in Barangay Cubacub, Mandaue City.
Bringing with her the crown and plaque, Walters visited City Hall to pay a courtesy call with the mayor. She was accompanied by her mother Roselyn yesterday.
However Mayor Jonas Cortes was not around as he was attending an important meeting yesterday. Walters expects to meet the mayor on Monday next week.
Walters told The FREEMAN that she visited Mayor Cortes last week and assured the mayor to help his administration if she wins the title.
Walters said that while she was in Australia, she learned the importance of education in addressing the problems in the environment.
"I am willing to help Mandaue City officials in educating the people of the city in addressing the problem on waste disposal, especially in preserving Butuanon River," said Walters.
She further said that being a Mandauehanon, it is her duty and responsibility to help in the preservation and protection of environment.
She also cited the need to educate the residents in the different barangays on proper waste disposal.
Vanessa's mother Roselyn in a separate interview said they first learned about the pageant when they visited a mall in Consolacion town.
She asked her daughter Vanessa if she was interested to join the pageant.
When they learned that the pageant was related to environmental advocacy, Roselyn said her daughter showed interest and she decided to participate in the auditions and was picked as one to present in Manila.
She recalled during their meeting with Cortes that the mayor gave some advice to her daughter and asked her to help Mandaue once she wins the crown.
"Kay nakab-ot man sa akong anak ang kalampusan gusto siya nga motabang sa Mandaue," said Roselyn. (FREEMAN)