MANILA, Philippines — Department of Education (DepEd) senior high school teacher Maria De Luz Casco Balubar is set to represent the Philippines at the Mrs. Worldwide 2026 pageant, bringing her advocacy for education, women’s empowerment and community service to the international stage.
Balubar, the reigning Mrs. Pacific Ocean Worldwide 2026, earned first runner-up honors at Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific 2026 before receiving the Philippine sash for the international competition, scheduled from October 27 to November 1, 2026, in Singapore and Malaysia.
Known as “Queen Del,” Balubar balances her pageant commitments with her work as an educator at Cainta Senior High School, where she teaches Grade 11 English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Effective Communication, and research subjects.
She was recognized as Most Outstanding Teacher for school year 2025–2026, reflecting her commitment to teaching, mentoring students and developing leadership among the youth.
Beyond the classroom, Balubar pursues advocacy initiatives, including efforts to raise awareness against violence against women. She has appeared on PTV’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas to promote related causes.
She is also involved in sports development, coaching local tennis players and serving as an official at regional sporting events in Rizal.
Balubar said her participation in international pageantry goes beyond personal achievement, emphasizing the opportunity to promote causes and inspire women to pursue leadership roles while balancing family and professional responsibilities.
“Pageantry for married women is not about perfection—it is about transformation and service,” Balubar said ahead of her departure. “It is a platform to prove that a mother, a teacher, and a leader can stand on an international stage and amplify voices that need to be heard.”
Through the competition, Balubar hopes to highlight the contributions of Filipino educators and women leaders while using her platform to advance education, empowerment and community service.
Her participation underscores how pageantry can serve as a platform for advocacy, allowing candidates to bring their professional experience and social commitments to a wider audience.
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