Imelda Schweighart crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2016

EJ Salut

<div><img src='' alt='061216-imelda_push.jpg' width='400' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Twenty-one year old Imelda Schweighart from Palawan was crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2016 last night, June 11 in a Filipino-themed pageant at the UP Theater in Quezon City. </div><div><br/></div><div>During the final question and answer portion, Imelda called on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to ban genetically modified food in the country. </div><div><br/></div><div>'My advocacy is banning genetically modified organisms (GMO) because I believe in natural food in order to feed our mind, body, and soul. So if we really want to feed our minds and become smarter, let's support banning GMO,' Schweighart said. </div><div><br/></div><div>London-based Kiaragiel Gregorio took home the Miss Philippines-Air title while Miss Philippines-Water went to Laoag City native Mar Artajos. The Miss Philippines-Fire title went to Shannon Bridgeman of Pangasinan and Melanie Mader from Austria was announced Miss Philippines-Eco Tourism.  </div><div><br/></div><div>With the pageant on its 16th year, Imelda will attempt to win the Miss Earth crown for the third time after back-to-back victories by Angelia Ong (2015) and Jamie Herell (2014). </div><div><br/></div>

During the Q&A, Imelda called on the banning genetically modified food in the country.

During the Q, Imelda called on the banning genetically modified food in the country.

Imelda Schweighart crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2016 | PUSH.COM.PH