The Miss Universe Philippines chapter hopes Catriona Gray’s win would rekindle interest in promoting various women’s issues in the country.
“Recent current events have averted our attention and we hope this win brings us back,” said Miss Universe Philippines 2018 judge Arch. Richelle Louise Singson-Michael.
Singson-Michael, alongside designer Monique Lhuillier, is a Filipina who became part of this year’s all-female judges lineup, the first time in the pageant’s 67-year history. With seven women in the panel of judges, this year’s Miss Universe lived up to its theme “Empowered Women.”
Singson-Michael is an architect and a businesswoman, following the footsteps of her father, Luis “Chavit” Singson. She is the chief executive officer of Platinum Skies Aviation and FinTech Casha.me and the vice chairman of the LCS Group of Companies.
One of the issues Singson-Michael firmly believes need attention is breastfeeding. Groups had also been proposing for a better breastfeeding bill in the country to improve public investment for child and maternal health programs.
In her recent Instagram post, Singson-Michael is seen breastfeeding her 13-month-old son Laker.
Senator Grace Poe’s First 1,000 Days Bill has been signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte. It includes antenatal care, maternal immunizations, counseling particularly on breastfeeding, provision of micronutrient and dietary supplements, and routine immunizations for babies.
Singson-Michael hopes the newly signed First 1,000 Days Law will help educate the public about breastfeeding.
“I personally experienced the lack of facilities as a working, breastfeeding mother. I hope this new law and Miss Universe advocacy activities in line will finally take away the stigma of breastfeeding in the country,” she said
The mother and businesswoman expressed her excitement to work with the newly crowned Miss Universe in further advocating women empowerment in the Philippines.
“We’re excited to work with Ms. Gray to bring attention to these topics as she goes about her duties as the new Miss Universe,” enthused Singson-Michael.
At the press conference held after the pageant, Gray clearly expressed her intent to expand her education advocacy; she also said she’s willing to lend her voice to advocacies that will empower women.