‘It’s an honor to be the face of Iloilo City’

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo said good impressions about Iloilo City helped her win the crown.

The 23-year-old beauty queen said that during their competition, the jury would ask her about Iloilo City and new title, “Wakanda of the Philippines”.

“Nami gid ya ang image of Iloilo, interviewers would always ask me, what can you say about Iloilo City –we have a clean image, that’s the good thing. They would ask me why we are called the Wakanda of the Philippines,” she said in an interview with “Uswag Patrol” program of the Iloilo City government.

According to Mateo, she credits the governance of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas that has united Ilonggos during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic as the reason why Iloilo City has been receiving praises in its COVID-19 response.

“Behind that is a great man, our mayor who united the whole city of love in conquering this pandemic. It is such a great honor to be the face of Iloilo City because known na kita as a place na sustainable,and safe for everybody,” she said.

Iloilo City made rounds online at the onset of the pandemic with its united and fast approach in handling the fight against COVID-19.

Netizens praised Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Ilonggo businessmen who worked together to purchase testing kits and initiate massive relief operations.

Efforts of the city to improve the bike lanes of the existing Iloilo Esplanade also trended online with many comparing it with the local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

After Mateo clinched the crown, netizens were quick to notice how Iloilo City has been in the spotlight in 2020 for all the good reasons.

“Iloilo City has really been on the country’s spotlight this 2020 all for the good reasons and I couldn’t be prouder of this city that I too can call home,” Twitter user @delacenajm shared in his viral tweet.

Another netizen shared, “Iloilo City owning the stage from the beginning of this pandemic. From having great set of politicians who handled this pandemic very well to Rabiya snatching that MUP crown. The Wakanda of Philippines did that.”

Meanwhile, Mateo said she will proudly promote Iloilo City in the global stage as she is set to compete in the prestigious Miss Universe 2020.

According to Mateo, she wants to showcase the rich culture of the city and promote the promising fashion industry by wearing pieces made by local designers, specifically those made in “Hablon.”

“I want to give back to them and to promote our fashion industry because we have so many talented Ilonggo designers. I want to wear Hablon maskin diin man ko nga country magkadto,” she furthered.

The beauty queen added that she is also excited to team up with Treñas in projects that will benefit the Ilonggo community.

Mateo said she is excited to go home as soon as possible to celebrate her victory with the Ilonggos.

“Gusto ko gid mag homecoming sa Iloilo City kay gusto ko man mapakita sa tanan nga Ilonggo nga nadaog ta gid ang crown kag para gid ni sa inyo tanan,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) is currently preparing for the homecoming of Mateo who gave so much pride and honor to the Ilonggo community.

Treñas said the IFFI is planning to stage a confetti parade along Calle Real St. in City Proper district and other programs to welcome the beauty queen. (ERS)