Himamaylan beauty queen takes stand against cyberbullying

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — A former Lin-ay sang Negros beauty pageant contender from Himamaylan City has declared she will not succumb to cyberbullying.

Ryza Fortuna, in a Facebook post, revealed she has been bombarded with false accusations online, falling prey to cyberbullying. “I told myself to be the bigger person and remain silent because all those false statements and bashing don’t define me and don’t deserve my attention,” she stated.

Fortuna was referencing a vlogger known as Bugris, who leveled unfounded accusations against her and a politician, stooping to use offensive language in a vlog.

“But as a Babaying Negrosanon, after hearing enough of those rumors, I came to realize that this is not just about me but will be the story of a woman who just allowed cyberbullying to win over a good motive and genuine intention,” she reflected.

“I don’t want that kind of ending,” she declared.

Fortuna expressed her desire for “a story of advancement, not a narrative of letting some people pull others down.” She aims to proudly represent Himamaylan and advocate for children from split families.

“Remaining silent is not a form of woman empowerment, so now I am promising myself not to let life’s challenges make me a punching bag; I should stand,” she affirmed.

Fortuna, who grew up in a fractured family, said, “I’ve faced life’s trials head-on. Now, I refuse to be a punching bag for those with ill intentions. I stand not just for myself, but for my loved ones, my community in Himamaylan, and for all who suffer from bullying. Together, we must unite against this scourge and champion self-love over hate.”

She emphasized that ending cyberbullying is imperative, highlighting the severe emotional distress and toxic online culture it perpetuates. “We all deserve to feel safe and respected, whether online or offline.”

Fortuna concluded, “Let’s pave the way for a Negros Occidental defined by a culture of kindness, where hate has no place. Abanse Negrense, we should move forward, not backward.”