A licensed physical therapist from Balasan town in Iloilo province has been named the first-ever winner of the Miss Iloilo pageant.

Rabiya Mateo won the Miss Iloilo Universe 2020 crown during the Coronation Night held on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center.

The 24-year-old education advocate will be Iloilo’s official screening candidate for the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

“It is such an honor to represent Iloilo in the national stage. I will do my best,” she said in a media interview after the competition.

Mateo said her feat is dedicated to her single mother.”Gusto ko gid sya mangin proud sa kon ano ako subong.”

“I just want to thank the people of Balasan kay ginsupurtahan nila ako from the start. Kag si sir Joeboy Agriam who sponsored my plane tickets kasi sa Manila ako gawork so I have to go back their every weekend. And of course my PT (physical therapist) family from Iloilo Doctors College (IDC),” she added.

Mateo graduated cum laude from IDC.

Aside from the major crown, Mateo also took home three corporate awards (Miss Smart Communications, Miss Fiesta, Miss Mags) and one minor award (Best in Talent).

Meanwhile, Ann Palmares of Dumangas and Karen Mendoza of Concepcion were crowned Miss Iloilo World 2020 and Miss Iloilo Binibini 2020, respectively.

Mendoza is a cabin crew. She graduated at WVSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management.

Palmares, on the other hand, is still studying at the University of Iloilo.

The two will be the official screening candidates of Iloilo for the Miss World Philippines and Binibining Pilipinas pageants.

Kesha Ramanchandran of Lapuz district in Iloilo City was declared Miss Iloilo 2020 1st Runner-up while Sharamie Solocio of Sta. Barbara finished second runner-up.

Ramanchandran also bagged the Best in Swimwear, and Best in Gown awards.

The winners of the pageant were determined after the question and answer portion. The Top 5 were asked the same question: “How can the crowns of Miss Iloilo 2020 promote Iloilo in the global community?”

Bb. Pilipinas 2018 First Runner-up Vickie Rushton and Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup were among the judges.

Robi Dominggo co-hosted the Coronation Night.

The Miss Iloilo pageant is part of the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival this year.IMT