Liberation Committee Chairman Jonas Barcinas said the parents wanted the winner announced as early as possible.
“We listened to their recommendation,” he added. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s tradition or not, as a committee we looked at what was best for everybody.”
In the past, the committee usually announced the winner on the eve of Liberation Day.
Barcinas declined to disclose the total amount generated in the fundraising competition.
But he said the queen committee led by Tina Pangelinan completed the counting on Tuesday without any protest and complaint from anyone.
The counting, he added, was done in the presence of an auditor and the Liberation Committee treasurer.
“All candidates are winners but somebody has to have the title,” Barcinas said.
Quitugua is sponsored by McDonald’s, Pena House and her family.
This year’s Liberation Royal Princess is Rayna Anabeth Deleon Guerrero Chong.
Berlani Tayleen B. Apatang, Angela Bermudes Aldan and Zelma Alyssa Dela Cruz Santos are the first, second and third runner ups.
Marie Kastel Santos Tambiga is the first princess; Yuri Marie Evarrola Cepeda, second princess; Sashana Igitol Atalig, third princess; Khrystene Atalig, fourth princess; and Marla Helbert, fifth princess.
All candidates will get 20 percent from the total proceeds of the tickets they sold.
In an interview, Quitugua promised she will be a good model for the youth.
“It really doesn’t matter who wins,” she added. “I think everybody is a winner.”
She expressed gratitude to her parents and family.
All candidates will be officially crowned tonight at the Liberation activity center in Garapan.
Gordon Marciano, Liberation entertainment committee, said they will have off-island performers from Japan and South Korea at the activity center.
