ILOILO CITY – Ilonggos from this city and province of Iloilo are jubilant over the crowning of Rabiya Mateo as Miss Universe Philippines 2020.
“The Ilonggo community is truly proud of her achievement. She is an epitome that Iloilo City can truly level-up and rise above challenges during these times. She is indeed a phenomenal woman with heartfelt beauty,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas in a statement Sunday, October 25.
“We wish her luck in her next journey. Rest assured Iloilo City and its people will be behind her all the way,” Treñas added.
“The stars in the universe have aligned and connected. Iloilo City is proud,” said Congresswoman Julienne “Jam Jam” Baronda.
“To all Ilonggos, prepare your passports. We will fly to the Miss Universe pageant,” said fashion designer Hector “Totong” Gellangarin.
Many Ilonggos were glued to their TV screens Sunday morning to cheer on the23-year-old Mateo, who originally hails from the town of Balasan in northern Iloilo province.
Mateo represented Iloilo City after being crowned as Miss Iloilo 2020 earlier this year as part of the Dinagyang Festival.
Ilonggos also welcomed Mateo’s response to have the face of the later senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who was an Ilongga, be featured if there’s a new paper currency. Mateo considered the late feisty Ilongga senator as the best president that the country never had.