Philippine representative Gabbi Carballo, a Cebuana beauty queen and medical doctor, proudly finished in the top 21 of the Miss Eco International 2026 pageant held in Egypt, carrying the country’s advocacy for environmental awareness and sustainable tourism on the international stage.
Although Carballo fell short of securing a back-to-back victory for the Philippines, the Cebuana beauty queen earned praise for her strong performances throughout the competition against more than 60 delegates from around the world.
Mexico’s Palmira Ruiz was crowned the new Miss Eco International, succeeding reigning queen Alexie Brooks.
Carballo stood out during the preliminary competitions after winning the Top Model award, impressing judges with her poise and confidence during the evening gown segment.
She also secured a spot in the Top 15 of the Eco Dress competition with a meaningful ensemble inspired by the tragic Binaliw landslide in Cebu, highlighting the consequences of environmental destruction.
One of the most talked-about moments of her campaign was her national costume inspired by the Sierra Madre mountain range, known as the Philippines’ natural shield against typhoons.
Sharing the story behind the design, Carballo said the costume was deeply personal to her as a Cebuana who experienced devastating storms firsthand.
“This costume is a tribute to nature’s quiet strength and a reminder that when we destroy our forests and ecosystems, we destroy the very things protecting us,” she shared in an Instagram post.
Throughout the pageant, Carballo consistently promoted sustainable tourism and environmental protection, emphasizing that tourism should not only showcase destinations but also help preserve them.
“Tourism must do more than just inspire us. It must protect what it celebrates,” she said in her introductory video for the competition.
