NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares lauded the performance of Negrense beauty Vickie Marie Rushton at the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas pageant, which was held March 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Rushton, who was among the top picks to win the competition, finished first runner-up.

"Vickie, the 2009 Lin-ay sang Negros and 2011 Miss Asia-Pacific, personifies the ideal strong-willed Negrense woman. She inspires other women for using the pageant as her platform to promote awareness about disadvantaged individuals, including those suffering from down syndrome," Marañon said.

READ: Negrense beauty is first runner-up in Bb. Pilipinas 2018

Despite the highly competitive field of 40 aspirants, Rushton was touted as one of the early favorites and impressed judges and netizens during the question and answer (portion) where she expressed strong opposition against any form of violence when asked about her take on hazing and fraternities.

It was a well-applauded answer, said Marañon.

Lizares, for his part, said landing at first runner-up was a testament to how she fared well in such a stiff competition.

"She did her best. She made the people of Talisay and the province of Negros Occidental proud of her sterling performance. We are proud of her," the mayor said.