Content Warning: the following article contains a discussion on mental health
Rabiya Mateo shared that she is set to return to school to pursue her longtime dream of becoming a doctor.
In an interview with DJ Chacha in her latest YouTube vlog, the former Miss Universe Philippines shared: "It's a calling and I'm so happy to share this to everybody that I'm gonna go back to med school. And I wanted to become a doctor ever since."
Before entering the world of pageantry and entertainment, Rabiya graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Iloilo Doctors' College in 2018.
Aside from fulfilling a lifelong dream, Rabiya said her desire to better understand her own mental health also influenced her decision.
"Siguro isa rin sa fact because I really want to understand my situation right now. And aside from that, gusto ko rin makatulong overall," she said. "I really wanna use my knowledge to help people."
The beauty queen added that she now feels ready to take this next step after securing financial stability through investments and business ventures that can support her studies.
"I am also blessed na at least nandito na rin ako sa point ng life ko na I think I was able to save enough, may mga investments na rin ako, some businesses na would support my studies. At ito po talaga 'yung gusto ko, parang I have been praying for this," she remarked.
Back in January, Rabiya revealed that she was diagnosed with depression in 2025. "I was diagnosed with depression and anxious distress. I had my several rounds of medication," she disclosed in a Facebook post.
She also opened up about the challenges she faced during that period, describing it as an especially difficult chapter in her life. "Everyday was a struggle to survive. I almost deactivated everything and disappear to have a quiet and peaceful life. I fought hard and still fighting up until now," she revealed.
READ: Rabiya Mateo opens up about depression diagnosis, calls for end to online bullying
In a separate post, Rabiya explained that she initially intended to keep her battle with depression private but ultimately chose to speak out to help raise awareness and call attention to the harmful effects of online bullying.
"I planned to keep my depression to myself. Years of battling it every day. Years of trying to keep myself together. Bullying needs to stop now. It causes harm more than you ever know!" she stated.
*If you or a loved one is in need of help, contact the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) crisis hotline nationwide at 1553 or 1800-1888-1553; via Smart/TNT at 0919-057-1553; and via Globe/TM at 0917 899-8727.