ILOILO CITY—Despite the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Ilonggos from the city and province of Iloilo welcomed back Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Occeña Mateo.
The Ilongga, chosen to represent the country for next year’s Miss Universe pageant, arrived Friday, November 13, a day after her flight was cancelled due to typhoon Ulysses.
Mateo kicked off her jampacked Friday schedule with a motorcade that began at Iloilo Business Park, and went through the districts of Iloilo City.
Mateo met with officials of Iloilo City, including Mayor Jerry Treñas and Congresswoman Julienne Baronda.
She also met with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Mayor Manuel Ganzon of Balasan town, where she hails from.
Mateo represented Iloilo City at the Miss Universe Philippines contest after winning the crown as Miss Iloilo 2020 earlier this year as part of the Dinagyang Festival.
While many were happy to see Mateo, many also expressed concerned for the lack of physical distancing of fans and supporters who wanted to catch a glimpse of the Ilongga beauty.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., which was tasked to organize Mateo’s homecoming, earlier assured that minimum health standards would be followed. However, that was not the case as security personnel, including members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) could not control the crowd.
Meanwhile, Mateo has several activities scheduled for the weekend, including the lighting of Christmas lights at two major shopping districts and outreach programs that coincide with her birthday. She turns 24 on Saturday, November 14.