Senate, House pass resolutions honoring Megan

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate yesterday adopted a resolution commending and congratulating Megan Young for bagging the Miss World 2013 title in Bali, Indonesia last Sept. 28.

With 17 senators present, the Senate adopted the resolution filed by Senators Manuel Lapid, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero, Cynthia Villar and Jinggoy Estrada.

“This is the first time the country has won the coveted title, exemplifying a shining symbol of peace and inspiring a generation of young women treasuring the core values of humanity, mutual understanding and spirit of kindness,” Poe said.

She also said Young’s victory marks a new era in history as she is the first Filipina to win the coveted title in the pageant’s 62-year-history and since the Philippines’ debut in the pageant in 1966.

Miss World, the oldest international beauty pageant established in 1951, envisions “beauty with a purpose” by bringing global awareness to various causes of the organization.

Born on Feb. 27, 1990, Young is a Filipino-American actress and model and was named one of the country’s National Peace Ambassadors last year.

For his part, Lapid said Young gave Filipinos unparalleled pride and showed the world the grace and excellence of Filipino beauty.

He also said the beauty queen gave an impressive performance in the pre-pageant competitions where she won as Top Model, was declared the Continental Queen for Asia and Oceania, ranked fourth in the multimedia contest, and finished fifth in the beach fashion tilt.

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, conferred yesterday the Congressional Medal of Distinction on Young.

The conferment was due to the approval of a House resolution filed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales Jr., and Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora that sought to honor Young for her achievements.

“Ms. Young has displayed a clear purpose and determination to showcase the inherent beauty, grace and intelligence of a true Filipina, which should serve as an inspiration to all Filipinos,” the resolution said.  – With Paolo Romero