This year’s celebration of the Las Piñas Waterlily Festival reinforces the commitment of Las Piñas residents to value and protect the environment, according to Sen. Cynthia Villar.
Villar, who started the festival in 2005, said theyearly event was not only a celebration or a venue for the city’s most talented performers, but also a recognition of the importance of environmental protection.
“Today, the water lily is no longer a menace or a pest, but a symbol ofingenuity, resilience, and community cooperation. It stands as a testament to our collective commitment to preserve our environment,” said Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.
Villar lauded the efforts of Las Piñeros in the rehabilitation of the Las Piñas River through the Sagip Ilog Program, an initiative she started when she was Las Piñas congresswoman.
“Water hyacinths or what is commonly known as water lilies were considered as aquatic pests clogging the Las Piñas River, which caused massive flooding in the city,” the senator recalled.
One of the most awaited activities of the festival is the Ms. Waterlily Pageant 2023.
his year’s winners were Francine Anne De Castro of Talon Tres, Ms Waterlily 2023 who received P30,000 cash; Christine Maico Bautista of Brgy. Talon 5,1st runner-up, P20,000 cash, and Louise Zapanta of Brgy.Pamplona Tres,2nd runner-up,P10,000 cash.
Princess Roman De Guzman of Brgy. Almanza Dos won as Ms. Photogenic while Ayessa Emille of Brgy. Pulang-Lupa Uno was Ms. Congeniality. Nash Leeho of Talon Singko bagged the best designer award.
Also, part of the festivities was the Sayaw Kabataan (SK) Para Sa Kalikasan” Dance Video Contest. The winners were the
Remake Family of Brgy. BF International-CAA, grand champion which got P30,000 cash; Talon Youth for Progress Organization Dance Company of Brgy. Talon Uno, first runner-up, P20,000; Fusion Flames of Brgy. Talon Singko, second runner-up, P10,000 cash.
People’s Choice and Ry Ultra of Brgy Ilaya won Best in Costume.