Miss Earth PH 2022 Siargao bet disqualified from competition for her height that 'does not fit their pageant's standards'

Miss Earth Philippines 2022 candidate Michele Angela Okol just broke the news that she was disqualified from the pageant for failing to meet its height requirement of 5 feet 4 inches.

In a Facebook post published today, July 14, Okol said that she can no longer advance to the pageant's semi-finals round after she and her team have forgotten one of the main qualifications to become Miss Earth — the height. 

Okol, who has entered the competition as Siargao Island's first-ever candidate, noted that the disqualification came after her team and supporters have long prepared for her inclusion in the pageant's Top 20.

"My family, team, and I have worked hard to build up all the materials and requirements for this pageant since earlier this year. However, we seem to have forgotten about one factor- my height," the Miss Earth aspirant said.

"I was told that my height does not fit their pageant’s standards and that their organization would get bashed if they let someone below 5’4 push through the Top 20, hence, being grounds for disqualification," Okol continued.

"Had we been measured earlier on that this was the case, it would have been much easier to figure out what to do since we’ve already prepared all that was sent as requirements for both our online and face-to-face competition."

Okol, however, stressed that she holds "nothing against Miss Philippines Earth's environmental advocacies and queen." She also expressed her gratitude "to all the Surigaonons" and her supporters.

"After all, when one door closes, another one opens—Salamat karajaw sa ijo suporta," she concluded her post.

The 20-year-old model and beauty queen is currently taking up Political Science at the De La Salle University, Manila, and has since been a consistent dean's lister.

In her introduction video for Miss Earth, Okol said that she desires to win the elusive title as carrying the sash "means so much more."

"It is a responsibility that proves how much impact a singular voice can make once collectively supported," she remarked.

She is advocating for sustainable fashion "because it is important to keep in mind that short-term convenience is nothing when the state of our home is at stake."

Apart from Miss Earth, Okol joined Miss Universe Philippines in 2021 and ended her journey in the Top 30. 

Miss Earth Philippines 2022 is slated to announce its top 20 candidates on July 15, 8 p.m., on its official Facebook page.