PHILIPPINES — Newly crowned Miss Supranational 2026 Katrina Llegado is set to become a powerful ambassador for Philippine tourism. The Filipina beauty queen paid a courtesy visit to Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay on Thursday, September 3, to discuss collaborations promoting the country's hidden gems and world-class destinations.
A Partnership for National Pride
The meeting took place ahead of the Philippines' anticipated hosting of the ASEAN Summit 2026. Llegado was joined by executives of the Miss Supranational organization and Mister Supranational 2026 Peter Cordero of Spain. The collaboration aims to leverage Llegado's global platform to showcase Filipino culture and tourism.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay welcomed the opportunity to work with Llegado. The DOT highlighted her deep interest in showcasing the country's attractions, citing her background as an entrepreneur and hiking enthusiast. This partnership aligns with the government's efforts to position the Philippines as a premier travel destination.
A Beauty Queen with Purpose
Katrina Llegado is more than just a titleholder. She is a local entrepreneur, co-founding the cosmetics brand Clocheflame. She also works with Project Pearls, building sustainable livelihood initiatives for women in Tondo, Manila. Her academic background includes graduating cum laude in Financial Management from De La Salle University.
Llegado also serves as a Philippine Air Force Reservist. This diverse background gives her a unique perspective on service and community development. Her win ends the country's 13-year title drought for Miss Supranational, making her only the second Filipina to hold the crown since 2013.
Dream Destinations and Global Reach
During the visit, Llegado shared her personal travel aspirations within the country. "I hope to visit Siquijor soon," she said, having already explored some of the country's top beaches. Her counterpart, Cordero, expressed excitement about seeing Palawan.
These personal endorsements add authenticity to the promotional efforts. The Miss Supranational platform reaches a global audience, offering invaluable exposure for the Philippines. The collaboration with DOT ensures that this exposure translates into tangible tourism interest.
A Boost for the ASEAN Summit
The partnership is strategically timed for the ASEAN Summit 2026. Hosting such a major international event places the Philippines in the global spotlight. Llegado's role will be to highlight the country's readiness and its diverse attractions to visiting dignitaries and international media.
The DOT looks forward to meaningful collaborations with Llegado and the Miss Supranational organization. The goal is to integrate cultural promotion with local entrepreneurship and community development. This approach ensures that the benefits of tourism reach local communities.
An Inspiration for Filipinos
Llegado's victory is a source of immense national pride. It showcases Filipino excellence on the international stage. Her subsequent commitment to promoting her home country amplifies this positive impact.
Her homecoming parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, in Pasay and Taguig. This will be an opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate her achievement. It also marks the beginning of her active role in championing Philippine tourism.
