TUBA, Benguet – An employee of Philex Mining Corp. won the Miss National Fire Olympics 2017, beating seven other candidates in the muse competition industrial category organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection during its third annual celebration of fire prevention and campaign to raise social awareness on fire safety.

Jenalyn Rodas, a 26-year-old mechanical engineer at the Mill Division of the company’s Padcal mine, got the judges’ nod after two nights of stiff competition held in Quezon City on March 23 and 24 that also saw contestants compete in a number of firefighting events under the industrial, barangay, and firefighters categories.

“You need outstanding values to be a firefighter, like courage, strength, determination, and commitment,” Rodas answered during the pageant night on March 24, when asked whether or not she agrees that firefighting is a noble job. “In firefighting, you’ll have the honor to save not only properties like buildings and infrastructure, but most importantly, you will save lives.”

A 15-man team out of the Philex Mining delegation composed of 22 personnel, meanwhile, competed in the rescue and transfer relay, combination of busted hose and up-the-ladder, and fire extinguishment during the two-day 3rd National Fire Olympics that culminated with the announcement of winners after the second night of the muse competition at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Celes Tawao, department fire safety supervisor at the Safety, Health, and Loss Control Group of Philex Mining’s Padcal operations, said the company was chosen to represent the Cordillera after becoming the champion in a provincial competition on firefighting held earlier in Itogon.

The Public Information Services office of BFP-CAR said Philex Mining placed ninth in the overall ranking on the three events in the industrial category.

The winners are Caraga, OceanaGold Philippines Inc., and Region 3.

Rodas, who was awarded a trophy, a plaque, and P15,000, said her triumph is a victory for Philex Mining, which worked hard in the competitions, as well as for the entire company and the Cordillera. “We are all winners, as the others did their best just as I did my best,” she said.

She added she will relish her winning for a long time, describing the muse competition as tough, as it was a battle of poise, confidence, elegance, and wit. She won’t rest on her laurels, though, as she is now considering going to graduate school to help her advance in her career.

A graduate of the Saint Louis University, Rodas has been working as research and development engineer at Padcal mine for a year now after her one-year stint at Philex Mining’s Poro Point installation in La Union as a safety and environment supervisor. 

Before the coronation night,  the contenders showcased their sports and casual outfits at the BFP national headquarters after the morning parade that formally opened this year’s Fire Olympics, and before the three shortlisted candidates went on to another night of competition for the question and answer portion and cocktail dress.

The BFP opened and conducted its Facebook campaign and voting for the candidates in the muse competition, last Feb. 23 and 24 following the formal announcement of their names and candidacies on social media from Feb. 6 to 12.