Rabiya Mateo joins IPNAP as ethics committee member

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo has joined the Infant and Pediatric Nutrition Association of the Philippines (IPNAP) as a member of its ethics committee.

In an Instagram post Wednesday, January 13, the Ilongga beauty queen spoke about her involvement in IPNAP.

“This 2021, I promised myself to do greater things for the people around me and for my country. I am not scared to try new things; to learn and absorb knowledge, have a better understanding of the universe, and to do things beyond expectations,” Rabiya said.

“I am happy to announce that I am now part of the Ethics Committee of the Infant and Pediatric Nutrition Association of the Philippines (IPNAP). My duty is to focus on participating in discussions revolving implementation of the Milk Code of the Philippines.”

Rabiya, a physical therapist by profession and the “ambassador of education” for the Miss Universe Philippines organization, said she was proud to be “the voice of women and the youth.”

“Beauty queens are more than a pretty face. We are catalysts of change and, more importantly, we are women of action.”

Aside from Rabiya, the members of the ethics committee include former Heath undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Rev. Fr. Reblora Manlangit, Reinier Gloor, former executive director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, and pediatrician Arnel Salud Nuguid.

IPNAP was established in 2008 to help address the issue of malnutrition in the country. It has been working with many government organizations on programs such as the School-based Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Advocacy and Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program (SIEP).

Rabiya is currently busy training for the Miss Universe pageant scheduled within the year. – Rappler.com