ILOILO – Her hometown of Balasan honored Rabiya Mateo for winning the most coveted Miss Universe Philippines crown.
Mateo, the first Ilongga in 55 years to represent the country in the Miss Universe beauty pageant next year, was greeted with a motorcade around the streets of Iloilo City Friday morning.
She paid Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Mayor Manuel Ganzon of Balasan a courtesy visit at the Iloilo provincial capitol.
Ganzon and Defensor both handed Mateo, also the reigning Miss Iloilo 2020, a copy of a Sangguniang Bayan resolution congratulating her.
“Being crowned as the winner [of Miss Universe Philippines] gives lasting pride to the place where she is a recognized resident,” part of the resolution reads.
Mateo’s family resides on del Rosario Street in Barangay Poblacion Norte, Balasan.
On the other hand, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) also adopted a resolution commending Mateo.
Angelica Bianca Requinto, president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation – Iloilo province, together with SP members Ramon Sullano, Dorothy Paes and Carol Espinosa-Diaz gave a copy of the resolution to the morena stunner.
Mateo’s return was originally scheduled Thursday, Nov. 12 but was pushed back a day due to typhoon “Ulysses.”
Mateo’s activities yesterday included a press conference and a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Parol of Hope at SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao district.
Today, Nov. 14, Mateo is scheduled to lead a community outreach program and grace the ceremonial lighting of a Christmas tree at Festive Walk./PN
