EARTH WARRIOR. Newly crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco, 26, from Manila

bested 39 other candidates to win the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 title during the coronation finals held Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City. Representing Manila, the 26-year-old beauty with a master’s degree in applied physics at the University of Santo Tomas, earned the judges’ nod with her smart answer to the final question asked all of the five finalists, “The government’s motto is Change is Coming. What particular change in terms of environmental policies would you want to see?” “In terms of environmental policies, everyone is experiencing climate change. The whole world is experiencing climate change and I’m just grateful that the Philippines signed the Paris Treaty. What I want to see is to pass a carbon tax (law). In that way, we would invest in renewable energy to help our world be a better place, greener and habitable for the whole humanity,” the 5-foot-7, former Bb. Pilipinas candidate answered.Earlier, in the top 10 Q&A portion, Ibasco picked the hashtag on the issue of Fake News. “Nowadays, a lot of people distribute fake news but one of the most important mediums (sic) is social media. We have to learn to use it for social good. We have to learn to disseminate and also to filter the right information not just for yourself, but also for the people in your circle of influence,” the UST professor said.Ibasco was crowned bywho assumed the title from resigned Miss Philippines Earth 2016. Ibasco will compete in this year’s Miss Earth 2017 pageant. Ibasco’s elemental court of honor, all in equal ranking, to serve as ambassadors on environmental protection, were Miss Eco-tourismof Lobo, Batangas; Miss Philippines Fireof Villanueva, Misamis Oriental; Miss Philippines Waterof Caloocan City; and Miss Philippines Airof Olongapo City. The coronation night was hosted bywith Miss Philippines Earth 2009and telecast on ABS CBN the following morning.