MISS Eco Philippines and actress-model Kelley Day finished first runner-up from among 40 contestants worldwide at the Miss Eco International 2020 finals held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt last Sunday.
The international pageant that campaigns for sustainable ecology and eco tourism and sidelined last year because of the pandemic, was won by Gizzelle Uys of South Africa who stressed the growing empowerment of women who use their voice to make a difference in their communities.
Named as second runner-up was Alexandria Kelly from Michigan, USA. Rounding up the top five were Stefania Rodriguez of Venezuela and Kristell Ruiz of Costa Rica.
The winners came from 10 finalists who were shortlisted from 20 semifinalists who paraded in elegant evening dresses.
It was the third straight year that a Filipina made it to the winning circle. Maureen Montagne was also first runner-up in 2019 while Cynthia Thomalla won the coveted title in 2018.
After the pageant, it has been reported in various pageant websites that several candidates tested positive for COVID-19 before their flights back to their respective countries and will remain in Egypt until they are cleared.
It has also been reported that the contestants arrived in Egypt and went straight to their hotel without undergoing quarantine procedures.
In view of the developments, the Miss World Philippines (MWP) Organization, headed by Arnold Vegafria, issued this statement:
“MWP is coordinating closely with the Miss Eco International Organization in ensuring the health and safety of all the candidates in its recently concluded pageant.
“Our official candidate, Ms. Kelley Day, remains our topmost priority and we remain optimistic as we await the results of the organizers’ routinary medical testing health procedures.”
Meanwhile, the Miss Eco International Organization headed by Dr. Amaal Rezk, who herself has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, stated that they “will ensure the safety of all our candidates.”
“All accusations made publicly against us may have been taken out of proportion. We are trying our best to coordinate with everyone. Including the ladies who are still here in Egypt.
“And we have fulfilled our duties as we promised and we’re taking good care of all our infected queens.
“We thank all our national directors and candidates for their support and understanding.”
