Ifugao’s Valerie West crowned Miss Global Philippines 2026

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Valerie Pawid West of Ifugao has been crowned Miss Global Philippines 2026, earning the right to represent the country at the 11th edition of Miss Global scheduled for March in Thailand.

West, a biomedical engineer and proud Cordilleran, is the first woman from Ifugao to win the national crown.

Her victory highlights the growing visibility of indigenous heritage in Philippine pageantry and underscores the competition’s mission of empowering women and celebrating diversity.

The 26-year-old beauty queen impressed judges throughout the Miss World Philippines 2026 competition, securing multiple special awards including Best in Swimsuit, Miss Bench Active, and Miss Charity.

She was praised for her poise, intellect, and advocacy for cultural preservation and community empowerment.

“This crown is not just for me, but for the people of Ifugao and the Cordillera. I want to show the world that beauty is rooted in culture, resilience, and purpose,” West said after her win. 

Her success follows a strong showing in Miss Universe Philippines 2025, where she also represented Ifugao.

Now, she prepares to carry the Philippine flag at Miss Global 2026 in Thailand, where delegates from across the world will compete in a pageant that celebrates diversity and women’s empowerment.

West’s triumph is seen as a breakthrough moment for indigenous representation in national pageantry, blending modern achievement with cultural pride.

The Miss Global pageant, founded in 2013 and now headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, has built a reputation as one of the most inclusive competitions in the world.

Unlike many traditional contests, it welcomes women aged 18 to 35, including single mothers, underscoring its mission to empower women and celebrate diversity.

Over the years, winners have come from across continents, reflecting the pageant’s global reach.

Among its milestones, the Philippines has produced multiple titleholders, including Elaine Abesamis in 2014 and Ahtisa Manalo in 2023.

Other notable winners include Karolína Kokešová of the Czech Republic in 2019 and Nguyễn Đình Như Vân of Vietnam in 2025.

The 11th edition of Miss Global will take place in Thailand this March, bringing together delegates from around the world.

For Valerie Pawid West, the stage offers not only a chance to compete internationally but also to showcase the resilience and cultural pride of Ifugao and the Cordillera.

Her journey now continues on a platform designed to highlight diversity, advocacy, and the strength of women worldwide.