EMB, Capiz, and Antique Triumphs at the Mutya ng Kalikasan Pageant

Iloilo City- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI successfully concluded its highly anticipated Mutya ng Kalikasan pageant, showcasing not just the beauty, but the environmental wit and advocacy of seven stunning candidates representing various DENR Regional Offices, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) of Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, Antique, and Aklan.

The prestigious event aimed to choose ambassadors who will lead and inspire the public in the region’s environmental preservation and sustainability campaigns.

After a grueling competition featuring a lively production number, eco-couture (gowns with recyclable materials), and the crucial intelligence round, three candidates stood out to claim the top advocacy titles, namely: Mutya ng Kalikasan 2026: Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB’s) Maria Erin E. Tajanlangit; Mutya ng Tubig: PENRO Capiz’ Ma. Jessa Kathryl R. Alar; and, Mutya ng Hangin: PENRO Antique’s Hannah P. Bangcaya.

EMB took home the main crown of Mutya ng Kalikasan, embodying the holistic mission of the bureau to protect, restore, and enhance environmental quality. Meanwhile, PENRO Capiz was crowned Mutya ng Tubig, a title dedicated to the advocacy of water conservation and the protection of Western Visayas’ vital marine and freshwater ecosystems. PENRO Antique secured the title of Mutya ng Hangin, focusing on clean air initiatives and climate change awareness.

The pageant went beyond traditional pageantry, serving as a platform for the candidates to present tangible solutions to pressing ecological issues in their respective provinces. From the island nuances of Guimaras and Aklan to the rich terrains of Iloilo, all seven candidates were lauded for their deep understanding of local environmental challenges.

“Our winners and candidates are not just faces of the Department; they are the voices of our ecosystems,” said Atty. Ramar Niel V. Pascua, DENR 6 OIC Regional Executive Director.

With the curtains closed, the newly crowned queens are set to begin their reign, working hand-in-hand with the DENR to champion sustainable practices and inspire the Western Visayas community to take active roles in environmental stewardship./DENR 6