2 Miss Universe Philippines candidates withdraws from competition after tested COVID-19 positive

Miss Sorsogon and Miss Cagayan de Oro had withdrawn from the Miss Universe Philippines pageant after being tested positive of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Maria Isabela Galeria, representative of the province of Sorsogon, posted an announcement in her instagram last Thursday, October 15, 2020, that she will no longer participate in the competition as she is in the road to recovery from COVID-19.

Galeria started to develop signs and symptoms on September 27, 2020 and was under a handful of medications for more than two weeks to manage her symptoms.

She also added her appreciation to those who invested so much time and effort in helping her throughout her journey; however, even with a strong will to fight, her body isn’t well conditioned yet.

"With a heavy heart, I believe now is not the right time to join the pageant. I still feel tired, and I don't think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines." Galeria wrote.

Meanwhile, Vincy Vacalares, the Cagayan de Oro representative said yesterday, October 16, 2020, that she will withdraw from the competition as she was tested positive for COVID-19.

Vacalares said in an instagram post that she had tested positive for COVID-19 last October 14, which making her withdraw from her "journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year."

After the withdrawals, The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPO) released a statement today, October 17, 2020, to assure the public that the health and safety of the pageant candidates is their top priority and that they are following the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

"While it is unfortunate and heartbreaking to see some of our candidates leave the competition, we thank them for being a part of the Miss Universe Philippines family. We salute their bravery and courage as they go through this difficult time and rest assured, we will continue to provide all of the help and support they need," said MUPO.

MUPO also said they are partnering with St. Luke's Medical Center to conduct swab tests and provide the best care and treatment needed if anyone tests positive with COVID-19.

Words by Jean Claire Peruda

Photo from Vincy Vacalares and Maria Isabela Galeria's Instagram