A 19-year-old architecture student from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) was crowned Miss Iloilo 2023.

Raniele Shaine Saulog bested 17 other candidates during the Pageant Night at the Iloilo Convention Center on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Along with the crown, the native of Cabatuan town also took home P100,000 in cash. She will be Iloilo City’s official screening candidate for one of the national pageants this year.

During the final round of the competition, the Top 5 candidates were asked the same question, “Today the population is exponentially growing. One wrong mindset about Filipinos is that they see overpopulation as something to be proud of. How will you convince the people of Iloilo that the increasing population is not good?”

Saulog’s winning answer was: “The economic growth of our nation is now imbalanced. The ratio of family to houses is not equal. The amount of love and care and affection that a family could give is not enough. And if you still can’t understand that, where is your love for our country? Where is your love our community? And I truly believe that a community that cares for each other is a community that stands together strong and powerful.”

In an interview after her coronation, the young stunner said she will pursue her advocacy on mental and emotional health.

Settling for the first runner-up spot was Chloei Darl Gabales of Jaro district. She also won the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Underwater Shoot awards.

Tracy Lois Mangaran Bedua of Barotac Nuevo was adjudged second runner-up.

Cristina Isabel Nacionales Tallador of City Proper and Jeraldine Quimsom of Mandurriao district were third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

The Pageant Night was hosted by beauty queen Nicole Cordoves and actor Marco Gumabao.IMT