Valerie West breaks silence on resignation as Miss Global Philippines

A day after ALV Pageant Circle confirmed Valerie West’s resignation as Miss Global Philippines through a statement, the Filipino-American biomedical engineer broke her silence through her own statement.

“An important lesson I’ve had to come to terms with is that life sometimes shifts in major ways for reasons truly beyond one’s control and independent actions,” she said in her statement, posted on social media Friday evening, June 19.

“[A]fter careful consideration, it has become clear that the path most aligned with my values — and in my best interest — is to redirect and continue pursuing my medical career,” West continued.

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ALV Pageant Circle, the pageant arm of talent manager and entrepreneur Arnold Vegafria, announced Thursday, June 18, that she was stepping down “following a review of contractual obligations.”

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The national pageant organization did not elaborate on these obligations, but said, “West and her local director were duly notified of concerns requiring appropriate organizational action.”

West represented Ifugao in the 2026 Miss World Philippines pageant. Filipino-American teen queen Asia Rose Simpson from Quezon City won the main title, while she received the Miss Global Philippines crown.

“I was truly honored to be entrusted with such a title and took my responsibilities seriously. In this fact, I do believe I had the purest intentions of fulfilling my personal obligations with the professionalism they required and with the same unwavering work ethic I have always promised,” West said in her statement.

She went on to offer her “deepest and most sincere apology” to her supporters, including her team, her community, her province and her partners. “I know this announcement comes unexpectedly, even for myself, and I am truly sorry for the abrupt end to a chapter so many of us invested our time, energy, and hearts into,” she said.

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West also expressed her gratitude to them, and to everyone who believed in her. “To the people of Ifugao: my heart remains with you. My commitment to our province, our heritage, and our shared values does not end with this resignation,” she added.

“[M]y legacy may not be defined by a Global reign, but rather by the continuing work of the Pulse of Hope Foundation—a mission that will always remain close to my core,” West continued.

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She first represented her mother’s home province at the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant, where she was fielded by the Filipino community in New York. She finished in the Top 24.

“At this time, I also kindly ask for your understanding and respect for my privacy. This transition is something I am still processing and adjusting to, and I hope to navigate it with the space and clarity it requires,” West said.

“I promise that when the time is right, I will be back to work. But for now, I ask for compassion as I take the necessary steps to move forward with grace and intention,” she added.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Valerie Pawid West (@valeriepawidwest)

ALV Pageant Circle will crown a new Miss Global Philippines titleholder at a ceremony at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City on Saturday afternoon, June 20. Reigning Miss Global Nguyen Dinh Nhu Var from Vietnam and TPN Global CEO Piyaporn Sankosik from Thailand have already arrived in Manila for the coronation of the new Filipino queen. /ra