A TWENTY-ONE year old Radiation Technology graduate is this year's Mutya ng Davao.
Shelah Faye Juntilla defeated other top contenders with her winning answer:
"I can prove that in Davao City, life is here, by my influence towards others, tourists who visit Davao. Davao City is a very comfortable place. It is safe. It has peace and harmony. We can see this through the Dabawenyos and I am a Dabawenya. As an empowered woman, I believe that I can show this through my actions towards our tourist, as an ambassadress of Davao," she said.
This was Juntilla's answer to the question: As an empowered woman of Davao City what can you do to prove that our slogan, Davao life is here, is indeed true?
In an interview, Juntilla said that she wants to promote cervical cancer awareness and environmental conservation.
She said her first project will be educating the public on cervical cancer -- how it can be acquired and how it can be prevented.
She said she offers her achievement to her family and to all the Dabawenyos.
Juntilla said she thinks the city government expecting a lot from her being the new ambassadress of the city.
"I hope na magampanan jud nako ang akong (to live up to my) role, this won't be easy but with the help of every one, I will be successful," she said.
Completing Juntilla's court as the new Mutya ng Davao, are Cindy Benedicto, as the new Diwa ng Davao; Pamela Framil, Sinag ng Davao; Claudine Alyssandra Verga, Pag-asa ng Davao; and Mary Rose Vicente, Patnubay ng Davao.
The coronation ceremony was held at newly renovated Rizal Memorial College (RMC) Filoil Flying V Gym. The program started around 5 p.m. and ended around 8 p.m.
This year's judges were Chief Presidential Legal Counsel lawyer Salvador Panelo; actor Gabby Concepcion; Jose Julio, director of the Development Bank of the Philippines-Data Center Incorporated; lawyer Roentegen Bronce, Q&A Trainer Aces and Queens Inc.; Michaelangelo Dakudao, architect and lifestyle writer, Dakudao and Sons Inc.; Arturo Milan, president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Joan Mae Soco Bantayan (Mutya ng Davao 2003); Beethoven Sur, corporate affairs manager of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and 2018 Datu Bago Awardee; and Lea May Luna, general manager of Mamay Inn & Resorts Inc.