Beauty queen tapped for wellness drive

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will tap the services of newly-crowned Miss Earth Philippi nes 2014 Vanessa Mae Walters in its wellness program in the different public elementary and high schools in the city, Mayor Jonas Cortes said.

Cortes made an announcement after a meeting with Walters and her parents when she paid a courtesy call Monday afternoon.

Cortes said Walters plays an important role to educate the children on the importance of cleanliness, protection and preservation of environment.

The mayor said she may also help the city government in its education campaign on the importance of waste segregation at the barangay level.

Walters, for her part, accepted the invitation of Mayor Cortes.

Walters, in a previous interview with The Freeman, said she is willing to help the city government in its program to address the problem of garbage disposal.

According to Mayor Cortes, the city government in coordination with the members of Kaabag, a non-governmental organization based in Mandaue City, initiated the wellness caravan.

Cortes wife, Sarah, is also actively participating in the program that benefits thousands of students both in elementary and high school levels.

The students are taught on how to protect themselves from any diseases.

A feeding program among malnourished children in the barangays is also part of the city's wellness project.