EmpowHER: Mutia ti La Union 2024 Crowns Queens Advocating Women Empowerment
By: Camille R. Bumatay, PIO | Photos By: Wendell Tangalin, Rizalde Buenaventura, Vincent Aguinaldo, Rechelle Dulay, Mark Jansen Ballesteros, and Jahp Pulido, PIO | Date: March 2, 2024
“I strive to create a community that is supportive and inclusive for women in my life, which are the single mothers. Through this, this can involve celebrating their successes advocating for the voices to be heard and providing them with tools and resources they need to thrive,” Prianka Elina Laurena Goswami, Mutia ti La Union 2024.
Exhibiting beauty, grace, and her impactful advocacy, Prianka Elina Laurena Goswami hailing from San Juan, La Union, was crowned Mutia ti La Union 2024, with her vision of empowering single mothers in her community.
Goswami, along with 19 other young women of La Union, passionately advocated for women’s empowerment during the Mutia ti La Union 2024 held on March 2, 2024, at the Poro Point Baywalk, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Centered in the theme "EmpowHER," this year’s Mutia ti La Union served as the province’s strong statement and call for gender equality and unbiased societal norms.
This plight was evident in the pageant as it was reflected in some parts of the pageant such as the opening number where female uniformed personnel took part in the performance as they defied stereotypes in their field; swimsuit competition where candidates wore sarongs imprinted with characteristics of an empowered woman; and casual interviews with La Union’s iconic women who are part of the audience.
Aside from Goswani being crowned as the Mutia ti La Union, our kaPROBISNYANihan also witnessed Czarina Aleira Caguntas from Santol clinching the Mutia ti La Union Agri-Turismo crown, and Maria Katrina Calica from Bauang being crowned Mutia ti La Union Kalikasan. Mikaella Fernandez from Bangar and Juvire Glay Abanes from Sudipen secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
Other ladies who made it to top 10 were Mutia ti Agoo Zhandra Louisa Manongdo, Mutia ti Bacnotan Jhia dela Cruz, Mutia ti Aringay Althea Rowena Dulay, Mutia ti Rosario Jezreen Mae Fortes, and Mutia ti Bagulin Mevelyn Sibayan.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David also delivered a powerful message highlighting her own journey in breaking stereotypes and societal norms as a female leader. She expressed her pride in challenging narrow perceptions and emphasized the need to liberate women from limiting roles and biased beliefs.
“It took months of hardwork but finally, we are a step closer to breaking these stereotypes…because finally people are now embracing the capabilities of what the first female governor of La Union is able to do. Let this be a step forward for La Union where women are liberated from stereotypes that limit people, where their voices, talents, and ambitions are recognized and uplifted without prejudice or constraint,” said the governor.
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Tiglao, Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves, and Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa served as hosts, adding glamour to the coronation night.
The distinguished panel of judges, chaired by 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, with Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, journalist Niña Corpuz, fashion designer Glademir Echavarre, and Beatederm CEO Rhea Tan had the toughest job during the coronation.
Heartthrobs Kyle Echarri and Joshua Garcia also heated the night as they serenaded the audience and mutia candidates.
After the excitement of the coronation night, the crowd were treated with an after-party concert featuring Filipino Indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben.
Mutia ti La Union 2024 served as a testament to the province's commitment to women's empowerment as it provided a platform for young women to advocate for meaningful change in their communities, echoing the spirit of La Union PROBINSYANihan for empowerment and inclusivity which defines the essence of Mutia ti La Union.
Related Photos:
