"I do believe that a beauty queen puts themselves in the position to be judged, both negative and the positive ones. It's up to us on how we accept such things but we always need to keep in mind that we need to appreciate the positive ones so that we may be able to uplift ourselves, inspire others and be that role model that you wanted to be in the society. I hope this will serve as a message to each and everyone that negative criticisms are everywhere. It is up to you as a beholder on how you carry such things, on how you deal such things, and how you carry yourself in the society". Dan Xeña Heramil's final answer to the question "As a role model. how will you handle criticism and negative comments and how will you use your platform to inspire others especially the young generation?".
Heramil, representing Barangay Peñaplata, was crowned as the Miss Samal Island Youth Ambassadress 2023 after she bested 11 other promising candidates during the grand coronation night on July 28, 2023, at the Sta. Cruz National High School, Brgy. Sta. Cruz Talicud Island.
Shanen Tonog, representing LYDC-Samal, was hailed as the 1st runner-up; Kim Beldas of Barangay Anonang was crowned as the 2nd runner-up; Rhealette Tangil, representing Barangay Catagman, secured the 3rd runner-up; and Kate Dianne Estrera of Barangay Aumbay was named the 4th runner-up.
Moreover, IGACOS Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Hon. Jomarie Peñaflorida, presented the Junior City Officials who were elected on July 22, 2023, in line with the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan 2023.
Further, winning clusters for this year's Linggo ng Kabataan X United Youth Festival Camp island-wide celebration were announced, in which LYDC Cluster ended as victors with a P30,000 cash prize, Babak Cluster secured a P20,000 cash prize as the 1st runner-up, Samal Cluster was hailed as the 2nd runner-up with a P15,000 cash prize, and Kaputian Cluster was the 3rd runner-up with a P10,000 cash prize.Hon. Renz Lacorte and Barangay officials of the barangays on Talicud Island also witnessed the unfolding of the events. (IGACOS-INFO/NBC /RConcepcion)