Daily Tribune‘Be responsible and do your part, but never forget to bring Him with you in your journey. It was all Him who got me through everything.’
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RINA Andrea delos Santos
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of Rina Andrea Delos Santos/FB
RINA Andrea delos Santos (Ballesteros, Cagayan) was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2026, with Prima Joy Alamban as Miss Philippines Air 2026 and Alyssa Villariña as Miss Philippines Water 2026.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH
The road to the Miss Philippines Earth 2026 crown was far from easy for Rina Andrea delos Santos.
Before becoming the country’s newest environmental queen, the 26-year-old from Ballesteros, Cagayan had already lived several dreams — as a student leader, athlete, performer, medical professional, aspiring actress, community tour guide and sustainability advocate. Every chapter of her life ultimately prepared her for the moment she was crowned the Philippines’ representative to Miss Earth 2026.
the moment she was crowned the Philippines’ representative to Miss Earth 2026.
Delos Santos outshined 31 other candidates during the coronation night in Malitbog, Bukidnon, where she received the crown from reigning queen Natalie Puskinova.
Her winning answer perfectly reflected the advocacy she has spent years building.
“As a community tour guide, I am not just ready for the crown, but I am ready for the environmental and global responsibility that comes with it.”
She continued by sharing the philosophy that ultimately earned her the title.
“Every single day, working toward putting the Philippines in a position that is not just a model of sustainability and environmental stewardship, but also a destination of beauty, is exactly what love and action mean.”
She concluded with the line that resonated throughout the competition.
“Remember, love changes nothing unless it moves, and when it moves, it truly changes everything.”
Childhood shaped by the sea and service
Long before the spotlight found her, Delos Santos was already learning lessons that would define her future.
Growing up in the coastal municipality of Ballesteros, she was inspired by both nature and public service. Her late father served as a member of the Sangguniang Bayan, instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility toward her hometown.
Reflecting on her roots, she wrote:
“My late father was a dedicated Sangguniang Bayan member. He taught me that to love your hometown is to protect its people and its natural treasures.”
She added that she continues to carry his legacy wherever she goes.
“I carry my father’s heart, the resilience of our coastal community, and a lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty of our environment.”
Girl with endless dreams
Delos Santos described herself as someone who was always eager to explore new opportunities.
“I was a little girl with curious feet and an adventurous heart.”
She recalled spending her childhood balancing numerous passions.
“I was a singer, a dancer, an athlete and a student leader. My days were filled with activities, responsibilities and aspirations. There was always something on my plate, yet I was the girl who believed she could do it all and give my best in every journey.”
Choosing education over show business
Few people know that Delos Santos once dreamed of becoming an actress.
She trained under a major talent management company while pursuing her college education, hoping to build a career in entertainment. But trying to excel in both worlds became emotionally exhausting.
“I struggled to balance my education and my training, trying to excel in both.”
Eventually, the pressure became too much.
“The pressure became overwhelming, and one day, I broke down in tears.”
Although it meant letting go of a childhood dream, she chose to prioritize her education.
“I convinced myself that perhaps that dream was never meant for me. So I let it go. I buried it beneath responsibility, practicality and fear.”
Excelling in Medicine
Delos Santos graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Far Eastern University before passing the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination in 2023.
Looking back on that achievement, she said: “It wasn’t easy, but it surely was worth it.”
She also encouraged future board examinees to keep their faith throughout the journey.
“Be responsible and do your part, but never forget to bring Him with you in your journey. It was all Him who got me through everything.”
Finding her true calling
Despite her success in Medicine, Delos Santos realized her heart belonged elsewhere.
After graduation, she found herself asking an important question.
“Should I continue toward Medicine, or should I listen to the voice of the little girl who still dreamed beyond the classroom?”
The answer eventually came through travel.
She fell in love with discovering communities, learning local traditions and promoting destinations across the Philippines.
“I fell in love with tourism — not just because of the beautiful destinations, but because of the stories, cultures, traditions and communities behind them.”
That passion inspired her to become an accredited community tour guide and environmental advocate.
“Through guiding, I realized that travel is more than visiting places; it is about preserving heritage, protecting the environment and creating meaningful connections between people and communities.”
Queen with a purpose
Delos Santos believes the Miss Earth crown represents more than beauty — it is a platform for meaningful action.
Her life has taken her through classrooms, laboratories, auditions, community tours and now the pageant stage. Every experience has shaped the woman who now carries the Philippine flag into Miss Earth 2026.
Joining her in the 2026 elemental court are Prima Joy Alamban as Miss Philippines Air, Alyssa Villariña as Miss Philippines Water, Patricia Bangug as Miss Philippines Fire and Roveelaine Eve Castillo as Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism.
As she prepares to compete internationally, Delos Santos hopes her story will inspire others to embrace every twist in life, proving that sometimes the dreams we leave behind become the stepping stones toward an even greater purpose.
DAILY TRIBUNE is a media partner for Miss Philippines Earth.
