THE CITY OF Manila and the MARE Foundation, together with VIVA Live, once again work in partnership to crown the next Miss Manila 2016. We want to commend MARE Foundation for its mission to help improve the quality of life of the underprivileged Filipinos all over the country. It has committed itself to the upliftment and promotion of the welfare and interest of our unfortunate brothers and sisters through its various socio-economic programs.
After 23 years of implementing its pro-poor programs, it has helped thousands through its free medical, surgical and dental missions, medical assistance program, feeding programs, livelihood projects, scholarships, and relief assistance to families who are victims of floods, fire and other calamities including conflict situations. In Manila alone, close to 100 medical and dental missions were conducted last year benefitting some 250 thousand indigent individuals.
Also worth mentioning is the Dialysis Center Project of the Foundation in partnership with the City Government of Manila which provides free dialysis sessions to poor Manilenos. This kind of project goes back to the time when Dr. Loi Estrada was the First Lady and she helped build a dialysis center in Malacanang. The Foundation also encourages families to raise varieties of nutritious vegetables to promote urban farming as a mode of livelihood program. One good example is found in Baseco including in some selected school grounds. MARE has continually networked with various hospitals, NGOS and the private sector to gain support in conducting and promoting its programs and activities.
Meantime, the 33 Manileña beautiful candidates were presented to the members of media last June 15 at Diamond Hotel, with no less than Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada in attendance, his daughter Jackie Ejercito who is pageant director and Viva boss Vic del Rosario. Now on its third year, the search is not only looking for a woman of exquisite beauty but also of empowerment, personifying social awareness, and being a true Manilena with grace, positivity and optimism.
The grand coronation night will be held on Araw ng Maynila, this Friday, June 24, 7 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with delayed telecast on TV5 to be hosted by Edu Manzano and KC Concepcion. Miss Manila winner last year was Adamson University student Kaycie Lynn Fajardo, 20.
