Michelle Dee, kinilalang Autism Society PH goodwill envoy
ITINALAGA si Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee bilang first goodwill ambassador of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng National Autism Consciousness Week mula Jan. 20-26.
Ito ang unang pagkakataon na kumilala ang ASP ng isang goodwill ambassador mula nang maitatag ito noong 1989.
“I grew up with two autistic siblings so this is a close issue and a close advocacy to my heart. I am here to send one message that autism is not a joke. It’s not something that we laugh about. Despite the fact that they are different, they also have feelings. We should understand them. Try to put yourselves into their shoes and it’s not a laughing matter,” pagbabahagi ni Michelle sa isang press conference organized by
ASP sa Quezon City nitong Linggo.
Natapos sa top 12 si Michelle sa ginanap na Miss World 2019 sa London noong December, inanunsiyo niya na nakipag-tied up siya sa isang popular clothing company upang maibahagi ang awareness sa autism.
“Because of my relationships with endorsements I had, Bench is launching a campaign to spread awareness on autism. We are already finalizing the designs and colors. I sent them a proposal and a week later, they approved it. I think this will start a good influence in the Philippines because big companies like SM and Pancake House are all coming together to send one message that autism is not a joke,” ayon kay Dee.
During the Miss World pageant, pumasok sa top 20 Beauty with a Purpose project ang adbokasiya niya para sa autism mula sa mahigit100 candidates. “I didn’t expect it but I was hoping for it. That moment brought me to tears because our hard work paid off.
“She (Michelle) has made a big impact on all of us in Autism Society Philippines, whose voices were amplified because you have taken our advocacy for autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation to a global audience. We are thankful for the programs she has supported and the doors she has opened since becoming engaged with the ASP,” pahayag ni Mona Magno-Veluz, president ng ASP, sa press conference.