By Arvin Santiago
In a pool of beautiful, smart, and talented young ladies, a new queen was crowned. Amphie Francisco, 20 years old from Sitio Bagong Bayan took home the Miss Mambugan crown with pride. Among all equally talented candidates from 14 different Sitios, Amphie stood out in the battle of wit and glamour last June 28, 2023 at Mambugan National High School.
Mental health awareness is what Francisco highlighted in her advocacy speech. She emphasized the need for breaking the stigma around mental health
disorders, which has been one of the primary objectives of Sangguniang Kabataan Mambugan Council in recent years.
In the final question and answer portion, Amphie confidently responded to the question, “how do you describe your generation now?” Her winning answer
strengthened her chances of taking home the title.
“I can only put one word to this question which is the word STRONG. I do
always believe that the generation nowadays have their own ways to help this world to be a better place because that’s what we deserve. And from what I can see, there are a lot of projects that our barangay is implementing to give the youth an opportunity to take a place in the organization,” she said.
As the newly-crowned queen, Amphie will represent Barangay Mambugan in the forthcoming Mutya ng Antipolo. Alongside Amphie, four other candidates won different titles: 2nd runner-up, Bernadine Kesia Bolilan; 1st runner-up, Lyka Mae Guillen; Binibining Kalikasan, Khristine Claire Rosendal; and Binibining Turismo, Jylee Cyryl Castro.
All three major titleholders, Binibining Mambugan Amphie Francisco, Binibining Kalikasan, Khristine Claire Rosendal, and Binibining Turismo, Jylee Cyryl Castro received a 100% full scholarship certificate from ICCT Colleges through the academic scholarship program of Kapitan Marlon Zingapan.
After many years of waiting, the SK Council brought the competition for Miss Mambugan back to life. This pageant is more than just a competition; it is also a profound celebration of life, women empowerment, and communal solidarity.
Events like these will not be possible without the coordination of SK Mambugan Council which includes SK Chairperson Camille Alfante; SK Kagawads Kimberly Bellen, Maricris Austria, Emily Azur, Angielyn Mangampo; SK Treasurer Kristine Nicolas; and SK Secretary Rianne Magsino. Being an all-female team is what sets them apart from the others.
The teamwork and camaraderie of the SK council helped them roll out substantial projects with ease. Apart from projects that brings joy to the community, SK Mambugan also has projects like Iskolar ni SK, Sangguniang Pangkabuhayan, Anti-Drug Campaign, Mental Health Awareness Seminars, and SK Kabalikat Program which offers financial assistance, medical assistance, and even burial assistance. SK Mambugan also has an ongoing sports league which is the Gilas Mambugueños 2, a revamp of their successful league last year.