JIREH CALACALA

Age: 27
Height: 5 feet 9.5 inches
Measurements: 33 inches - 25 inches - 37 inches
Occupation/Education: Revenue Officer

Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
Growing up, I’ve been exposed to books that promote environmental causes which have made me aware of the importance of conserving the resources of the Earth. This awareness have led me to start protecting the Mother Earth at such a young age by picking up plastics beside our longest river, Cagayan River.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
During my childhood years, our teachers have taught us that the natural resources in this world we live in are limited. That is why I have been living ever since with the goal of taking into account every action that I make each day with the hope of making a positive difference to Mother Earth.

Most memorable moment:
My most memorable moment was when my family and I went out to stroll and exercise by the river but it has resulted with me carrying plastic bags that I picked by the river.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
I want to join the Miss Philippines Earth 2023 because I want to share my passion for the protection and preservation of our one and only Earth, to be a model and motivate the people looking up to me in order to make a difference in small ways that have a big impact in the long run.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
My advocacy, 'Own Less, Do More,' encourages people to live sustainably by reducing their consumption of material possessions. I firmly believe that minimalism is a practical and attainable way of life that can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help us live more meaningful lives. By owning less, we not only reduce stress on ourselves but also protect the environment. Through my participation in this pageant, I hope to inspire others to embrace minimalism and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle for a better future.

What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
For me, just being a representative of my municipality/ province is a way to promote its eco-tourism because it is through this that I will be able to showcase my municipality and province to our nation and hopefully, to the whole wide Earth.