Rabiya Mateo highlights value of education in Miss Universe introduction video

Rabiya Mateo highlighted the importance of education in her introduction video for Miss Universe.

In the video released Wednesday, the Ilongga beauty queen said that education "transformed" her life from her "humble beginnings."

"Now, I am a teacher and I hope that my students will see the value of education the way that I saw it," she said.

According to her, she realized how education became a "social equalizer" for poor families in the Philippines.

"Regardless of what background we have, what the status of your family is, if you educate yourself, you will be able to land a great job," she said.

If she were to be crowned the next Miss Universe, Rabiya said she'll do her best "to champion for other people."

"What we need nowadays is not just a beauty queen with a pretty face but phenomenal women who are not afraid to speak and stand for the things that they believe in," she said.

The 69th Miss Universe pageant will be held on May 16 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In November, Rabiya said that years of teaching helped her during the Miss Universe Philippines pageant's Q&A segment.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News