Thirty-six local and overseas candidates will compete for the coveted title of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2009 during grand coronation night in Baler, Aurora on Sunday.

Mutya ng Pilipinas President Roberto de Venecia said that three major titles at stake: Mutya ng Pilipinas-International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities.

Along with the titles and crowns are the prizes P200,000 for both Mutya ng Pilipinas-International and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism. Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities will receive US$2,000 and P50,000 each for the runners-up. The three major titlists will be sent to compete in international pageants — Miss Asia Pacific-International, Miss Tourism-International, Tourism Queen of the Year, and Miss International.

“Mutya 2009 now is now in high-gear in Aurora. The candidates have planted mangrove samplings along the coast of Baler led by Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and Miss International

Malhorzata Rozniecka, one of the judges. The planting intends to promote importance of creating the natural habitat of fish and crustaceans to guarantee the food supply chain,’’ De Venecia said.

Special awards have been given to other candidates. Sheryl Rose Guerero of Aurora was awarded “Aurora Province Beauty Award” and one of the overseas Filipino communities representatives — Rene Mc Hugh of East Coast, USA, was awarded the Photographers’ Choice.

Two more awards for the Best Designer and Best in Sabutan Philippine-inspired Costume will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, De Venecia said. They will be announced during the coronation night.

De Venecia said that Mutya 2009 programs in Aurora include the candidates learn plowing the newly prepared prime rice lands in the surrounds of Baler where premium rice is being produced by the resilient farmers of Aurora.