THE PHILIPPINES’ Elizabeth Durado Clenci from Mandaue City, Cebu finished second runner-up in the Miss Grand International 2017 pageant held last Oct. 25 at Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.
During the final question round, the Top 5 candidates were asked: “If you have to issue a law to punish criminals of war and violence, how would you punish these people and why?”
Clenci’s answer underscored the need for “rehabilitation.”
“They say a nation is judged not by the criminals and the crimes that they commit but how the nation punishes them. If I were to create a law, along with jail time I would implement physical rehabilitation and mental rehabilitation. Because character is such a complex matter, we cannot judge someone’s character based only on the crime committed, ” she said.
Stella Araneta, chairman of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI) through the Binibining Pilipinas’ official Facebook congratulated Clenci on her second runner-up finish.
“Her grace and elegance shone throughout the competition in Vietnam, and stood out among the 79 candidates as a true example of Filipina beauty. BPCI is proud of what you have achieved and will continue to support you in your journey,” said the post.
For her part Peru’s Maria Jose Lora, who was crowned Ms. Grand International 2017 answered, “If I have to issue a law that punishes people that
make the war and violence, I will take them to the refugee camps so they can feel the pain, suffering and devastation the families go through because of war and violence. I will make them spend time to live in refugee camps.”
Completing the court are Tulia Aleman Ferrer of Venezuela (1st runner-up), Brenda Azaria Jiminez of Puerto Rico (3rd runner-up) and Nikola Uhlirova of Czech Republic (4th runner-up).
Special awards were given to Dea Goesti Rizkita of Indonesia (Best in National Costume) Premika Pamela Pasinetti of Thailand (Miss Paradise Cave Heritage Award), Lia Duarte of Paraguay (Best in Social Media Award), and Xuejiao Chen of China (Best in Evening Gown).
