CEBU, Philippines — Angela Magienda Aumonier attributes her Master’s degree in Science in Epidemiology to her late aunt, who succumbed to ovarian cancer.
Dealing with her own health challenges, including ovarian issues and hyperthyroidism, Aumonier is inspired to establish a charity in her aunt’s honor to address women’s health not only in Cebu but throughout Central Visayas.
“I am creating a charity in honor of my aunt, aiming to reduce the prevalence of women’s cancers,” she explained. “Through fundraising, I want to help every barangay by providing free facilities and resources to raise awareness about women’s health and reduce the stigma [of getting checked].”
She also aims to tackle air and noise pollution caused by traffic congestion in Cebu City, if she would be crowned as Miss Cebu 2025.
“Traffic-related pollution significantly impacts our health. I want to work with the city to push for policies like limiting households to one car and encouraging carpooling. This won’t only ease congestion but will also positively affect public health,” she told The FREEMAN.
“I want to ensure Cebuanos are healthy so we can set an example as a city leading in healthcare, not just locally but globally,” she added.
Born in Northern Ireland, the Fil-Brit has moved between Cebu and the United Kingdom since 2016. Her journey to embracing her biracial identity was not without challenges, particularly after being told she would never be “Filipino enough.”
“I was told I would never truly be Filipina because I wasn’t born here, I’m white, and I have a British accent,” she shared. “Through Miss Cebu, I want to use this platform to ensure that everyone is treated equally, regardless of where they come from.”
“It’s vital for me to embrace both my British and Filipino heritage. Being here in Cebu, I am reconnecting with my mother’s roots as a Filipina, and I’m proud to represent Cebuanas. We should strive for a society that welcomes and treats everyone with equality and inclusivity. We should be proud of who we are.”