President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated the winning of a Filipino model in the 2005 Miss International beauty pageant held in Tokyo, Japan, the government said Tuesday.

The country applauded for the 22-year-old Filipino fashion model, Lara Quigaman, on Monday night after she was coroneted as the 2005 Miss International.

"On behalf of all Filipinos, I congratulate Lara Quigaman for winning the Miss International title," Arroyo said.

"She joins a long list of Filipinas who have brought our country honor and prestige, not only for their beauty, but also for their intelligence, charm and grace," she added.

Quigaman, who pocketed the victory of a Philippine beauty pageant in March, is the fourth Filipina to win the Miss International title. The first was Gemma Cruz in 1965, followed by Aurora Pijuan in 1970, and Melanie Marquez in 1979.

"May she serve as a responsible role model for young women in our country," Arroyo said.

Source: Xinhua