[Michelle Arceo of the Philippines (Photo by ARMIN P. ADINA)]

MANILA: Michelle Arceo of the Philippines was a heavy favorite to win the coveted crown in the first edition of the Miss Environment International pageant, but settled for second place honors and received the subsidiary title “Miss Ecosystem” during the competition’s final ceremonies staged in Mumbai, India, on April 2, PH Inquirer reported.

Belgium’s Kayra Wouters was proclaimed Miss Environment International at the culmination of the program that extended to April 3. South Sudan’s Sky Amelia finished third and earned the Miss Biodiversity title, while Peru’s Mariel Zuñiga was fourth and received the Miss Aqua title. Zimbabwe’s Jemy Mandem rounded up the final five and took home the Miss Fauna crown. Arceo earlier received the Best in National Costume and Best in Environmental Video awards.

On its official Facebook page, the Miss Environment International pageant claims that its prime objective is to “promote the importance of environmental conservation.” The recently-concluded global tilt is yet another international pageant with an environmental theme.