Mountain Province’s first representative to Miss Universe PH 2026 enters semifinals

FEATURE

Mt. Province, Philippines – Lyneree Wly Montero Yodong, the first representative of Mountain Province to the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH), is one step closer to the coveted crown.

Lyneree, a mother of one and an entrepreneur who owns an all-women company, secured an automatic spot in the semifinals after placing in the Top 10 of the third round of online swimsuit voting held from April 19 to 25 via the Maya app.

The 10 semifinalists were announced during the Fashion Show and 3rd Elimination Night—the final stop before the coronation night—hosted by Misamis Occidental over the weekend.

The 28-year-old beauty queen shared that she felt unwell the day before the evening show and had been conserving her energy for the event. Suddenly, she began receiving messages of support for her cause.

“Messages started pouring in. I was told that people were coming together... pledging to put up a fight for Maya. I was told that even my own girls in my humble business gave what they could,” she said.

For her, these messages were reminders that she is never alone in her MUPH journey, fueling her determination.

She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who believed in her and sacrificed their hard-earned money to help her advance.

“I know how heavy life can be, especially these past weeks... That’s why it humbles me even more knowing that what you gave came from hours of hard work—from choosing to believe in me even when it cost you something. That in the middle of your own battles, you STILL chose to stand with me,” the finalist expressed.

“Because of your love, we made it to the finals,” added the mompreneur.

Lyneree, a medical laboratory scientist from Sagada and Benguet, returned to pageantry after a seven-year hiatus. She first gained recognition through her performance that earned her the MUPH-Benguet Tourism 2026 title and was later sashed as the official Mountain Province delegate in the national pageant. The strategic move, according to the Provincial Information Office, was meant to “ensure that Mountain Province is represented by a candidate of high caliber and local heritage.”

Since the age of 18, she has been championing the “Love Others Project,” which focuses on community outreach and grassroots service. She also advocates for the revival of Cordillera’s indigenous weaving traditions, noting that fewer members of the younger generation are pursuing the craft. Her campaign highlights women’s empowerment and sustainable heritage, particularly the preservation of cultural practices in her home province.

After securing an early spot in the semifinals, Lyneree is now poised for the Finals Night set on May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor.

“We won’t let this chance slip away. We will carry every inch of your faith, your sacrifice, your love, and we will fight with everything... This is our fight. Laban Montañosa,” she conveyed.