Promoting education

For Vanessa Mae Walters, winning the Miss Teen Earth Philippines gave her the opportunity to promote her advocacy, which is to care for the environment.

“I would like to start on my environmental advocacy which is ‘Clean-up Day,’ in which it aims to motivate our community to clean up waste disposal within the Philippines. On behalf of my advocacy, I would also try to focus on educating our young society about the effects and the damage caused to our environment. Lastly, I would love to be given the opportunity to reduce the cause of plastic bags here in the Philippines,” said the 14-year-old Cebuana beauty.

Vanessa said that joining the competition was something that she was interested in because it catered to the environment and was also an opportunity for young girls like her to be a voice among the youth.

Although there are many environmental problems the country is facing, Vanessa said she is keen on campaigning for the Filipinos to be aware of proper waste management.

“What comes closest to my heart is concerning about ‘waste disposal.’ As an earth ambassador, I would like to educate our community and address about reducing the cause of solid waste management, which is based in my advocacy.

“My vision is to also reduce plastic bags and start using eco- friendly bags,” Vanessa said.

Along with Little Miss Earth Bernadette Datu, Vanessa will be going around the country to educate the people about the growing concerns on the environment. Helping her and Bernadette are the people from the Climate Change Commission and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Keep on believing 

Both girls are aware of the huge responsibilities that come along with the crowns on their heads. Even with different causes, they promise to make sure they will set the example for the youth.

As for their message to the youth, here’s what the two teen queens have to say.

“Like any person would say, I have my feet planted on the ground. I am a part of Mother Earth and we all are. Nothing else describes us humans to be the children of Mother Earth. I am contented with our environment and our nature and that describes me as person to be caring and loving to environment and our community,” Vanessa said.

“I plan to start by embodying my actions and values in my cause and the best way to start is the change you want to be because the best is to start with yourself. How can you tell people something if you yourself are not doing it?” Nikki said.

“My actions are important to our youth especially when it comes to helping Mother Earth. I will try my very best as a youth leader to really inspire and motivate our nation about doing the right things like ‘recycling, reusing and reducing.’ By showing my concerns and my awareness out to others, I am sure us young Filipinos will play our vital role to do the same to help the Philippines environmental issues, our community faces today,” Vanessa said.     

Nikki and Vanessa showed that despite being young, they have the confidence to promote their causes. They may have different titles, but one thing is sure—they are the teen queens who not only exemplify beauty but also a purpose to educate the youth on various issues. “People should keep on believing, keep on dreaming and keep seeking your potentials and at the same time education is the only machine productive that is not diminishing. Let’s keep the campaign for education,” Nikki said.  – Rappler.com