IRIS MABANTA

Age: 25
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Measurements: 35.5 inches - 28 inches - 37 inches
Occupation/Education: Marine Science Student

Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I’ve always been at the top of my class while engaging in extra curricular activities, especially as a swimmer. I was even part of the varsity team. I learned to paint with my lola and attended classes together. I was also fortunate enough to grow up in a neighborhood where the kids were able to safely play out on the streets, so I was able to play Filipino games like, patintero, tumbang preso, etc. That was a really big part of my childhood.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
I learned to follow through and try to excel in all my interests, and I had a lot. I wanted to compete in swimming, I wanted to make art, and I wanted to excel in school, among others. A new interest would normally be difficult to learn but I was a very persistent child. I strived to do the best that I can. Now, I’m the type of person that will exhaust all options, resources, etc. before I accept defeat.

Most memorable moment:
My most memorable moment to date was when I got my SCUBA diving license. I had never felt so calm and at peace in my entire life. I love being under water because I love being in that head space.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2023 because I truly am a warrior for the Earth. I’ve dedicated my career towards research on the environment. I’m an advocate for any change we as a people can do to combat climate change. This is my way of going the extra mile to make a difference for Mother Earth, and for our country.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
One of the sustainable development goals (SDG) from the UN is SDG 14: Life Underwater. I advocate for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. As an archipelagic country, we have an abundance of marine resources. However we are very much under utilizing them. Moving forward, we as a people need to invest in utilizing our god-given resources in a way that will benefit not only the local marine ecosystems, but also us. We hold great potential in our country’s biodiversity and as the center of the center of marine biodiversity there is much to be discovered.

What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
Mabini is the birthplace of SCUBA diving in the Philippines. It has become a tourist hotspot for free diving as well. We have to give where we take. We take from Mabini these wonderful experiences and use of local resources. As tourists, we all have to be responsible. For example, we should follow proper diving etiquette. The local boatmen are knowledgeable in the coastal ecosystem so it would be wise to listen to them because they know how to conserve and protect their home. This is how we give back.