By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
In a night filled with elegance, poise, and cultural pride, Barangay Bugo emerged victorious as its representative, Alyssa Marie Cordova, was crowned Miss Cagayan de Oro 2024. The grand coronation night, held at the Limketkai Atrium on August 24, saw Cordova standing out among 20 other contenders, showcasing not only beauty but also intelligence.
Cordova impressed the judges and the audience with her grace and eloquence. Her winning answer during the Q&A segment, where she emphasized the importance of showcasing Cagayan se Oro as a City of Golden Friendship, sealed her fate as the new queen.
The Miss Cagayan de Oro 2024 pageant, a much-anticipated event in the city’s calendar, celebrates not only beauty but also the rich cultural heritage of Cagayan de Oro. Each contestant represented one of the city’s barangays, bringing forward the unique traditions, talents, and values of their communities. The event highlighted the importance of unity and the role of women in driving positive change in society.
Aside from the coveted crown, Cordova also won several special awards, including Best in Evening Gown, Best in Gown design and and many other special awards. She also bagged 9 sponsor awards during the preliminaries.
The first runner-up title was awarded to Princess Kyle Rufon f Barangay Macabalan. The second runner-up was Gabriella Gil Cristi Alaba of Barangay Bayabas, Desiree Gamolo of Barangay 32 was 3rd Runner Up; and Jierecah Lousie Nicole Taal of Barangay Consolacion got the 4th Runner Up.
As Miss Cagayan de Oro 2024, Cordova will represent the city in various regional and national events. She is expected to use her platform to promote her advocacies, particularly in education and healthcare, which she has championed throughout the competition.
The event was a testament to the talent and potential of the youth in Cagayan de Oro. With Cordova’s win, Barangay Bugo takes pride in contributing to the city’s rich tradition of producing strong and empowered women leaders.