Halos isang taon na ang nakalilipas, pero ngayong linggo pa lamang ibibigay ang premyo ni Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 finalist Michelle Dee para sa Voice for Change award na napanalunan nito.
Ang Voice for Change award ay bahagi ng Miss Universe competition kung saan magbabahagi ang mga kandidata ng kanilang krusada sa iba't ibang sektor ng lipunan ng kanilang bansa.
Si Michelle ay pinili ang autism sector kung saan ipinangako niyang ibibigay ang premyo sa Autism Society Philippines.
Tatlong kandidata ang nagwagi sa Voice for Change award, kabilang na si Michelle, na inanunsiyo sa Miss Universe 2023 finals noong November 19, 2023, sa El Salvador.
Ang dalawa pang nanalo ay sina Miss Universe Angola Anna Coimbra at Miss Universe Puerto Rico Karla Acevedo.
Makatatanggap sila ng US$12,000 o katumbas ng PHP660,000 sa palitang PHP55 to $1.
Read: Michelle Dee strong contender in Voice for Change category of Miss Universe 2023
MICHELLE DEE REVEALS SHE HAS YET TO RECEIVE HER PRIZE MONEY
Sa kanyang Instagram Broadcast Channel kahapon, September 16, 2024, ibinunyag ni Michelle na hindi pa niya natatanggap ang cast prize para sa Voice For Change award.
Malaking bagay raw sana ito para sa autism society na kanyang tinutulungan.
Kaya naman umaasa siyang maibigay na ito bago pa man magkaroon ng bagong edisyon ng Miss Universe.
Buong post niya, "The Voice For Change Award was undoubtedly one of the most important and THE MOST personal award to encompass my journey.
"As you all know - my brothers and those on the autism spectrum have been a lifeline of purpose and passion for the things that I do - even before my 7 year pageant journey started.
"But of course, winning would not have been possible without the #bayanihan spirit, which didn't come cheap.
"At present, i'm still waiting for the release of the VFC award and i'm hoping that they do before the next set of winners. Definitely excited to learn more about the advocacies the delegates are championing for though. All love."
MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES: "The delay was caused by the comms process of MUPH..."
Ngayong Martes, September 17, 2024, nagbigay ng pahayag ang Miss Universe Philippines Organization tungkol sa naging hinaing ni Michelle.
Maigagawad na raw sa linggong ito sa autism sector na sinuportahan ng beauty queen ang award money.
Sabi sa kanilang quote card, "We are excited that this week Michelle Marquez Dee will go to the Autism Society of the Philippines to present her Voice for Change award.
"Even after her Miss Universe stint, MMD remains a staunch ally of her advocacy.
"A sign of her solid commitment to advance her causes. A real Queen, indeed.
"The admin & accounting personnel assigned have resolved which account to deposit the prize to.
"Thank you, Michelle and ASP, for giving voice to- and a bigger platform- for such a worthy cause.
"Thank you to the Miss Universe Organization for amplifying the voices of women around the world.
"This clearly demonstrates that MUO practices what it preaches on the cause of Women Empowerment."
May disclaimer naman sila sa kanilang caption na walang kinalaman ang Miss Universe Organization sa delay ng award money.
Ayon pa sa pahayag, "We are all very excited about Michelle Marquez Dee’s plans next week. Thank you, Queen!
"MEA CULPA. The delay was caused by the comms process of MUPH and NOT Miss Universe Organization."