Cagayan Province's Gianne Asuncion ends Miss Universe Philippines 2021 journey after positive COVID-19 test

Cagayan Province's Gianne Asuncion has ended her Miss Universe Philippines 2021 journey after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Miss Universe Philippines Cagayan Province made the announcement through a Facebook post.

"We regret to inform our supporters that Miss Cagayan Province 2021 will no longer participate in the [second] edition of Miss Universe Philippines," the post read.

"The MUPH Organization has decided to no longer allow our delegate, Ms. Gi Asuncion, to continue owing to her hospitalization due to COVID-19," it added.

Both parties said they came up with the decision for Asuncion to focus on her faster recovery. The province also took the time to thank the delegate for her efforts.

"We thank you hugely for ably representing us in the national stage and for bringing to the fore the admirable qualities of a modern Cagayana. You will always be our Miss Cagayan Province 2021."

Asuncion, meanwhile, took to Instagram to express her thoughts on the choice made.

"We were halfway there," she wrote, saying that her condition only made her want to continue her Miss Universe Philippines journey as an "instrument of hope and courage."

"I wanted to keep on fighting while I still can. I wanted to show the universe that I can get up and continue on this journey. That’s also how I want everyone else to handle life right now."

She realized, however, that she also has limitations and needed to focus on getting better.

"I'm only human. My body has its limits. I should be first to respect it if it needs to rest and recover," she said. "As much as my heart wants to continue on the journey and enjoy the rest of it, my body also needs to function well."

According to Asuncion, she wanted to showcase how proud she is of her province and is thankful to everyone who stood by her and helped her with the journey.

She also took the time to thank those who have been checking up on her and assured everyone that there is nothing to worry about as she’s doing her best to heal.

"Don't worry about me. I am a phenomenal woman and I will rise up. I need you to do the same. You have your own battles to face. I wish I was there for you. Stay strong and keep on fighting."

Asuncion was one of the Top 50 delegates set to move on the next round. She was also among 15 queens who topped the competition’s Video Introduction challenge.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News