Angelie Kyle Babon 
Reigning Mr. Samar State University (SSU), Jazztin Antonii Acedillo and Ms. SSU First runner-up Rejhel Anne Memoracion, SSU Green Ambassadors, secured the coveted title of Mr. and Ms. Green Philippines at Francisco Benitez Hall, Teachers Camp Baguio City on Friday, March 3, the third day of this year’s National Youth Environmental Summit (NYES).
The competition, which drew young environmental advocates and activists from all corners of the country, challenged participants to showcase their knowledge of, and passion for, preserving the planet. Acedillo and Memoracion outshone competitions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with four pairs of representatives each.
SSU candidates’ dedication to environmental causes was evident in their answers, as they impressed judges with their confidence and ability to articulate their stand on the given queries, setting them apart from contenders.
During the pageant, Acedillo was asked what can he “not do in helping the environment,” to which he responded with passion saying “I believe that the number one thing that I would not do is to stop trying. I believe that in saving the environment, it’s a constant effort and a continuous challenge and in and of itself, we should also have the will to pursue our dreams of changing the environment, and not giving up. Because in giving up, we not only admit defeat that we cannot change the environment, the problems that we’re having today, but also that we cannot defeat our inner struggles— our personal struggles like giving up. I believe that we should also continue inspiring others.”
Memoracion, on the other hand, was asked how she would “introduce her organization and convince” them to partake in reaching her goal to “build sustainable, peaceful, resilient schools and communities.”
She mentioned her environmental initiative since 2021, the “Kids Environmental Warriors,” where she uses young children as her main platform towards environmental protection, and emphasized the need to bring and introduce this advocacy “not just in Catbalogan City, but also in all over the Philippines”. She also believes that “when we care for the environment together, we will benefit the result.”
Their answers which elucidated a clearer vision for a greener future, rightfully earned them the titles Mr. and Ms. Green Philippines 2023.
Moreover, other candidates who stood out in the pageant named Mr. And Ms. Green of their own island regions.
Other Title Awardees:
- Mr. & Ms. Green Philippines – Luzon:
- Mr. Luzon – LGU Baguio
- Ms. Luzon – PATTS College of Aeronautics
- Mr. & Ms. Green Philippines – Visayas:
- Mr. Visayas – University of Antique
- Ms. Visayas – University of Antique
- Mr. & Ms. Green Philippines – Mindanao:
- Mr. Mindanao – Cotabato State University
- Ms. Mindanao – Bukidnon State University
Candidates were judged based on their production number, casual wear, advocacy, and answers in the question-and-answer portion.
The entire SSU community is proud of the delegates the are both students of the university taking up Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and is looking forward to supporting their continued efforts to make a positive impact on the environment.
The aforementioned ambassadors, with Student Welfare and Development Services (SWDS) Head for Admission and Recruitment Services Angelyn Machate, and 600 other ambassadors are still currently participating in the remaining NYES workshops and activities organized by Green Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Climate Change Service, and Benguet State University which is set to run from March 1-4, 2023.
