By Dhel Sue Cabiara and Lysander Tiu
Candidates champion NegOr threatened species
A purpose-driven campaign against pediculosis became the winning edge of 79th Miss Silliman Kathryn Gay Saguban to capture the coveted crown last Aug. 26 at the Silliman University Gymnasium.
Saguban campaigned her advocacy titled “SIMPLE” or “Stop the Infestation, Maintain Proper Lice Elimination,” which aims to provide health education, intervention, and maintenance among school children.
During the Miss Silliman Premiere, she proposed safe and effective solutions through medicated lice-killing shampoos and natural alternatives such as panyawan extract.
The allied-health aspirant vowed to implement “health education, health intervention, and health maintenance” by developing educational materials such as storybooks and literacy programs.
“Helping children practice reading while learning about health, these three simple steps will help improve a learners’ overall wellbeing and their academic performance,” Saguban said.
After cementing her spot in the final four, Saguban was asked, “If critics say that pageants remain about the looks even with advocacy, how would you revision excellence as Miss Silliman to prove them wrong?”
“I believe that in order to prove to other people that it is not just about looks but it is about advocacy, because excellence—it is empty without a purpose,” she posed.
She furthered, “It is what is in your heart because at the end of the day, people won’t remember your looks. They won’t remember ‘Oh, she’s the most beautiful Miss Silliman,’ but they will remember, ‘She was the most impactful Miss Silliman.’”
Paving her way to the title, Saguban bagged Best in Advocacy Presentation, Best in Talent, Best Evening Gown, Best Speaker, and Miss Professionalism.
Themewear segment
On its 79th iteration, the Miss Silliman Committee (MSC) introduced its newest segment dubbed “Threads of the Threatened: Amihan.”
The eight candidates flaunted their customized gowns resembling some of Negros Oriental’s endemic and endangered winged species.
Miss Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Michelle Oppliger won the segment in her vivid green and pink feathered gown inspired by the Negros Fruit Dove.
“I made sure that I was lively and happy because it was the essence of the bird, to showcase its beauty,” Oppliger said.
According to MSC Vice-chairperson Bojo Jabel, they aim to provide awareness and financial assistance to Silliman University’s Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP), which housed some of the featured species.
“We partnered with CENTROP to connect the advocacy directly to conservation work. The segment allows us to celebrate the beauty and elegance of the candidates while also raising awareness and supporting a meaningful cause,” Jabel explained.
The committee initiated a donation drive by displaying a GCash QR code at the stage LED screen, posting it around the pageant’s venue, and through its social media platforms.
However, Jabel stated that their finance head reported “no donations” received in their account despite their efforts to provide exposure to the cause.
Meanwhile, Saguban said after the pageant, “I hope it will be an easygoing reign, because I am looking forward to it and I am committed to serving it with a purpose and with the kindness of my heart.”
She succeeded 78th Miss Silliman titleholder Micah Saycon from the College of Education.
Other members in the royal court are Oppliger hailed as Miss Eco-Ambassador, Miss Cover Girl Will Grace Villanueva from the Medical School and Miss Headline Girl Ashwerria Nicole Buagas from the College of Business Administration.
