Robredo congratulates Catriona Gray, thanks her for bringing joy to Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday congratulated newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray after she emerged victorious in the world’s premier beauty contest.

Robredo also thanked Gray — a fellow Bicolana who hails from Albay — for uniting Filipinos and for bringing happiness to a lot of people.

“My warmest congratulations to our newest Miss Universe, Catriona Gray. Your victory has brought happiness to millions of households throughout our nation,” the Vice President said in a statement.

“Regardless of different backgrounds and allegiances, in this, you have brought us together,” she added.

Gray’s answer in the question and answer portion, which focused on finding a better life for poor Filipinos, also gained approval from Robredo.

“With the eyes of the world and the entire Filipino nation on you, you chose to highlight your work with the poor, and to send a much-needed message of hope to all. With those inspiring words, you already became a winner in my heart, and, I am certain, in those of many others,” Robredo explained.

“I wish you the best, and may you make full use of your new role as an ambassador to continue bringing the message of hope to the world. Mabuhay ang mga Bicolana!” she said.

Gray is the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe pageant, after Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, and Pia Wurtzbach in 2015. /ee

READ: Catriona Gray crowned as Miss Universe Philippines