A TEEN-AGED beauty from the Municipality of San Juan was crowned last Saturday as “Mutia ti La Union 2024,” topping the field of 20 contestants representing the municipalities and capital city of San Fernando who participated in the world-class finale staged by Lumina Events under the helm of Bernard Yabut Maybituin.
The star-studded event, graced by no less than La Union’s first female governor Rafy Ortega-David, was held at Baywalk Poro Point as one of the highlights of the 174th founding anniversary of the province.
Prianka Elina Goswami, an 18-year-old working student from San Juan, the surfing capital of La Union, was crowned as “Mutia ti La Union 2024,” succeeding predecessor Kristine Billy Tabaday from Sudipen.
“Being raised by a single mom made me realize that having a complete family is a blessing but having a solo parent is a rare opportunity to become the strong and empowered woman I am today,” said Goswami, who is also the deputy secretary of JCI San Juan Dalluton, an organization of young active citizens whose purpose is to provide development opportunities to young people.
“As an advocate for solo parents, it is my duty to expand the horizon of opportunities for solo parents. To capacitate them with proper skills and training to realize their value and unleash their full potential in nation building they are the true representation of a strong independent woman,” she added.
Crowned Mutia ti Agriturismo 2024 was Czarina Caguntas from Santol while Mutia ti Kalikasan 2024 was Maria Katrina Calica from Bauang.
Mikaella Fernandez from Bangar and Juvire Glay Abanes from Sudipen were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
Adding to the significance of the event was the all-female selection committee, featuring prominent figures like entrepreneur Rhea Anicoche-Tan, designer Glademir Echavarre, journalist Niña Corpuz, Miss Universe Philippines and Miss Universe 2023 top 10 finalist Michelle Marquez Dee, and the first Filipina Miss Universe, La Union native Gloria Diaz.
The glittering ceremonies were further glammed up by the all-female hosts — beauty queens Mary Jean Lastimosa, Nicole Cordoves, and Emma Tiglao.
The show opened with women in uniform from various agencies in Region 1 such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force, blending with the contestants on stage to the tune of “Salute.”
This year, in resonance with the National Women’s Month theme, “Mutia ti La Union 2024″ embraced women’s empowerment as its central theme.
As Governor Ortega-David stated, “This Women’s Month, let us celebrate women and their worth in this world. Together, we can empower more! ”
The all-women monotone was broken by Kyle Eccharri, who performed with the contestants during the swimsuit segment, and heartthrob Joshua Garcia who did a spot number.