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Rabiya Mateo is the new Miss Universe-Philippines

26 Oct – Iloilo beauty Rabiya Mateo has recently been named the new Miss Universe-Philippines - the first one under the new organisation.

As reported on Rappler, the 23 year-old Filipina-Indian beauty, who was crowned during the coronation night held in Baguio City recently, told judges during the preliminary interviews that she would like to raise awareness to the "Feed Me And I Read You" programme by winning the competition.

"We need a lot of learning materials. Being the Miss Universe, I can pull donors into the project," she said.

Mateo also revealed that she spent her time during the pandemic cooking food for frontliners in Iloilo.

As for the other reason she joined the pageant, the beauty queen responded, "I want to help my community, I want to use my strength to make an impact, and that is the essence of beauty pageants, it gives us the power to make a difference."

Prior to winning the pageant, Mateo, who has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the Iloilo Doctors College, having graduated Cum Laude, was working as a physical therapy lecturer.

This year's event was helmed by the Miss Universe-Philippines Organisation for the first time after years of it being part of the Binibining Pilipinas Charity Inc. (BCPI).

Photo Source: Gulf News