TRANSCRIPT: Miss World Philippines 2026 Top 10 Q&A
Following the initial rounds of the question-and-answer portion, the Miss World Philippines 2026 intensified as the candidates were narrowed down to the Top 10 semi-finalists.
Each of the ten finalists was tasked with addressing complex social issues relevant to today’s global and local landscape during the final competition held on Feb. 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With a 30-second time limit to deliver their responses, the pressure was on to see which candidates could speak about their purpose with clarity and conviction.
See how they answered below.
Should wage increases much the cost of living, even if businesses struggle financially?
Miss Ifugao Valerie Howard West: I think the most important thing the Philippines needs to address at this moment is the root of the problem, and that's inflation. So it's important that we start there, so we could provide more future and livelihoods for not just our citizens, but also our business owners. We need to make more action in legislation first before we can address any wage changes.
Does banning political dynasty strengthen democracy or undermine democratic choice to vote or be voted upon?
Miss Davao Jayvee Lyn Lorejo: I know political dynasty is happening in our country, and it should be avoided, because political politics and government service should be open to those people who can serve our country better. I know the Philippines is suffering right now with a lot of issues, and it is something that our government should look after, because if we empower our world, if we empower the Philippines, we will have a better world. Thank you.
Do you believe social media has helped or hurt society?
Miss Quezon City Asia Rose Simpson: Mental health issues are on the rise. One in seven children worldwide experience mental health disorders, and the World Health Organization realized that relays that 80% of adolescents don't meet the recommended levels of activity. That's where SED initiative comes in—my sports and dance initiative that specifically advocates for the physical, mental and emotional health of today's youth. Social media has so many benefits, it helps us all promote different businesses and organizations that helps us succeed. However, I think it's also used as a crutch for our creativity, for our social skills. Just let's use social media responsibly. Thank you.
What can women learn from men?
Miss Pampanga Gabriel Fuentes Galapia: I think in this day and age, both women and men can learn from each other. nd I think that it's so important to find that balance, because it's true that women can provide emotional support. And we can also learn from men in terms of logic, but it is also important that we recognize that both genders can acquire these skills, and we need to be able to find a balance and find equality for each other. Thank you.
How do you think we should approach the question of whether trans women are women?
Miss Rizal Province Lorraine Ojimba: As a woman myself, we should approach it with respect, because at the end, they are free to choose whatever they want to be, and these words or categories do not define them if they categorize us. So then that means we should respect them. At the end of the day, it is respect that begets respect. Thank you.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?
Miss Manila Anne De Mesa: Nowadays, a lot of people lack understanding and kindness. It's very simple, but still it's very powerful. If you if you're just more understanding, more empathetic, more kind in every simple way, I believe that there will be so much changes in our world, and I hope that people will learn from this. With all the chaos, with all the negativities happening in our world, let us try to be more understanding, more kind, so that everyone will live in a better world, which is everyone, which is what everyone deserves. Thank you.
Do impeachment processes strengthen our democracy or deepen our political divide?
Sultan Kudarat: In the Philippines, right now we are facing a lot of impeachment problems and with our president and vice president, but I think that we should do is to check and to see if it is true, and this is for due process too. And I hope that in the Philippines, we choose the right leaders, leaders with accountability and transparency, and leaders who care for the well-being of the Filipino, not just for the Filipino, but the future of our country, and which is the Philippines. Thank you so much.
With the Philippines recently recording the fastest growing HIV cases in Asia, Asia Pacific region, should the government declare a health emergency despite political and budget constraints?
Miss Filipino Community of New York Marisa Delgado: Here in the Philippines, healthcare is a huge issue. Some families are one emergency away from poverty. So I believe that the government should set aside more budget and have more leaders that are transparent, accountable and consistent when it comes to health care issues like HIV and for the longest time, I believe that Filipinos are used to having less when it comes to health care, but I want to remind you all that you deserve so much more.
Is a tourism chief's public profile boosting the Philippines or distracting from tourism performance?
Miss Batangas: In the Philippines, it is very important for us to boost our tourism, not only for the world to see the beauty of the Philippines, but for our economy. To me, it is important that we put people in power in position to prioritize these importances, people who serve the Philippines and not themselves. That is all. Thank you.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about beauty pageants?
Miss Filipino Community of the UK Margaret Elise Romano: The big misconception about beauty pageants that people is actually that beauty pageants is all about glitz and glam. It's all about putting on a show, putting on a pretty crown and a pretty dress, and showing smiles. But really, within this journey of Miss World Philippines, what I truly have seen and shown to myself is the true meaning of Beauty with a Purpose, being able to show that beauty queens are able to also serve with their purpose and their advocacies.