Arzen Rose Dulzura

Rabiya Mateo returns to elementary school to distribute school supplies: ‘Proud product of a public school’

Article (news)

E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>&quot;Proud product of a public school.&quot;</p><p>These were the words of former Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo as she returned to her elementary school to give back to students through a school outreach program.</p><p>&quot;Today, I had the privilege of returning to where it all began. We were able to distribute 250 sets of school supplies, bags, and packed meals to the students of Balasan Central Elementary School,&quot; she shared on her Instagram page.</p><p>The beauty queen also relayed that one of the highlights of her visit was meeting the school&#x27;s Special Education Department.</p><p>&quot;I also had the opportunity to meet with the Special Education Department, which holds a special place in my heart as a physical therapist and aspiring doctor. Seeing the dedication of our educators and the smiles on the children’s faces reminds me why investing in education will always be one of the most meaningful ways to give back,&quot; she stated.</p><p>She remarked that projects like these &quot;are deeply personal to me, and I look forward to creating more opportunities to serve our community in the future.&quot;</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-24" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZDARgxlI7N/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A24%2C%22os%22%3A19251638.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="889" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-24" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Rabiya also extended her gratitude to the people who helped her turn this project to life. She also thanked her boyfriend, Jake Cuenca, for helping her fund the program.</p><p>Before concluding her post, Rabiya emphasized that her outreach program was not motivated by any political agenda.</p><p>&quot;And before anyone asks—no, I’m not running in the coming elections. I simply believe that if you’ve been blessed, you should find ways to give back,&quot; she stressed.  </p><p>Prior to her outreach program, Rabiya also returned to her alma mater, Iloilo Doctors&#x27; College, where she served as a graduation speaker.</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/6/3/rabiya-mateo-returns-to-alma-mater-as-graduation-guest-speaker-a-full-circle-moment-0818"><strong><u>READ: Rabiya Mateo returns to alma mater as graduation guest speaker: &#x27;A full-circle moment&#x27;</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>&quot;Education is the greatest social equalizer. Knowledge is, and always will be power. Had a full-circle moment as I returned to my beloved alma mater, Iloilo Doctors’ College, this time as a guest speaker,&quot; she previously posted on her Instagram page. </p><p>She added: &quot;Truly honored to celebrate this milestone with the graduates. Congratulations, Class of 2026 — may you continue to dream boldly, serve with purpose, and lead with compassion.&quot;</p><p>Rabiya graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Iloilo Doctors&#x27; College in 2018.</p><p>In February, the former beauty queen announced that she would be pursuing her long-time dream of becoming a doctor by enrolling in medical school.</p>

<p>Rabiya Mateo returned to her elementary school to give back to students through a school outreach program.</p>

Rabiya Mateo returned to her elementary school to give back to students through a school outreach program.