Congratulatory messages poured in for Philippine bet Kathleen Paton who bested 40 other candidates upon winning the Miss Eco International 2022 title in Egypt on Friday.
The Boracay-born beauty queen also earned a Top 21 spot after bagging the Best in Eco Video award in the competition.
Her court includes first runner-up Chloe Reweghs of Belgium, second runner-up Jesaura Peralta of the United States, third runner-up Lucia Morales of Spain and fourth runner-up Prasana Shri of Malaysia.
As Miss Eco International, Kathleen has the opportunity to serve as a United Nations ambassador for the environment.
According to her introduction video for the beauty pageant, she shared that she’s a “passionate advocate for mental health awareness and conserving the environment.”
The 24-year-old Aklanon also won as Miss Manila in 2018 and Miss Teen International in 2017.
Kathleen’s victory is the Philippines’ second win in the environmental based-pageant after Cynthia Thomalla won it in 2018.
Her achievement was celebrated by Pinoy pageant enthusiasts and her fans.
“Miss Manila to Miss Eco International,” a Twitter user said with a pinched fingers emoji.
“But looking forward ako for MAJOR crown MI/MU. For now, CONGRATULATIONS, Kathleen Paton,” she added.
“Viva Aklaaaaaan!!” wrote another online user with a beating heart emoji.
“Not really into pageants, but I like her and Kirk. Lol. She seems really nice,” a different user said.
Cynthia likewise congratulated her fellow Pinay beauty queen for bringing home the crown.
“THANK YOU @kathleen_paton FOR BRINGING THE CROWN BACK HOME (Philippine flag emojis) SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! Congratulations (kissing face emojis),” she wrote on the Instagram post of the Miss Eco International organization.
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Kathleen landed on the Top 5 of the pageant after reportedly answering this question: “As a title holder, you’re a public figure. Do you think it’s important to stay neutral on controversial social issues or to use your title to promote your own belief and why?”
“I do believe as a leader and as someone who is very influential in society, we sometimes have to use our voice in a very neutral state of mind because we have a very influential position,” she responded.
“But in doing so, we also need to use our voice in order to motivate other people to stand up for what is right and I think that takes a lot of good moral compass,” Kathleen also added.