Samantha Ballesteros, 17, a recent Delano High School graduate, and newly crowned Miss Filipina Teen International first runner-up, answers 12 questions about what she experienced and learned about herself. Miss Filipina International and Miss Filipina Teen International is the most prestigious pageant in the United States catering to the young Filipina women from all over the world. It was fairly easy. We just had to apply and answer questions. Then we were interviewed by the executive producer via Skype. What kind of girls were in the competition alongside you nationality, hometown, etc.

During the question and answer round, Arruda was asked about what the global pandemic has taught her about life. She replied: "Well, of course this global pandemic is very unprecedented and has taught me a lot about life. For me, it has especially taught me how to appreciate my family.

The survey reveals that amid COVID, girls and young women are most concerned about their mental health, sexual and reproductive health, education, the disruption in economic activities causing job insecurity, food security, and violence everywhere. Most girls and young women also said that the pandemic has also been affecting their health both physical and emotional , economic capacity, mental health, and social skills and capacity. Findings also show that the COVID pandemic has caused violence— both online and offline— against girls and young women to spike. Further, 56 percent said that they have observed cases of VAWG on social media or on television.