Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi visits Lanao del Sur

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization continues its commitment to promoting tourism and advocating for charity during the recent visit of its queens to Lanao del Sur. In partnership with Save the Children Philippines, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi visited the Municipalities of Marantao and Marawi City to campaign for Save the Children’s Life Changer Program. This aims to support the children and families most impacted by inequality and discrimination in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) .

Cortesi said, “It opened my eyes to the realities children here in Mindanao are experiencing. Children are not only suffering from hunger but from various complex problems – as basic as access to clean water. And it is only by realizing that everything is interconnected that we are reminded of how our actions can make a big impact.”

Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022 Pauline Amelinckx and Miss Charm Philippines 2022 Annabelle Mae McDonnell were also part of the trip led by STC Team Leader Edwin Horca. The group visited Rana-Ranao Elementary School where a temporary learning space was inaugurated which provides additional access to learners from remote villages. The program has also distributed. Save the Children’s Life Changer program aims to uplift the lives of 15,000 people, including 3,000 children, in Mindanao.

“When I started to work with Save the Children, I had the chance to hear the stories and experiences from mothers and children. And the first thing that came to my mind was my mother. One thing that I saw in common in all the faces of these mothers with my mother is the pain in feeling powerless when it comes to providing means for your own children. I truly believe that a child has the right to learn, to grow, to smile, to be happy, to play. I truly believe in our platforms and the way we use our platforms to really make a change.” Cortesi said.

To see the video of the Miss Universe Philippines and Save the Children’s visit, please go to

They also visited the Rameemah Economic Hub and Youth Development Center where they not only saw the products made by women and youth but interacted with them. According to the people at the Rameemah, a personal visit from high profile personalities like the Miss Universe Philippines queens meant so much them. Not only for the charity work they do but that the visit is an affirmation that it is safe to visit their region.

The MUPh queens were also brough to the Sama Bajau community in Iligan City, which has been impacted by poverty, malnutrition, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and lack of access to shelter.

Capping off their two day visit, Iligan City Mayor Fredrick Siao hosted a fundraising luncheon to benefit the Life Changer for Children Program. The Miss Universe Philippines Queens, accompanied by MUPh Head of Women Empowerment and Charity Lia Andrea Ramos and MUPh Director of Communications Voltaire Tayag, all shared their experiences in the hopes of encouraging others to pledge their support to the program.

“We must guarantee that children and families in the most vulnerable communities have access to decent shelters, clean water, food, education, and quality healthcare. That is why it is imperative for all of us to intensify our efforts, widen circles of collaboration, and inspire many more organizations to do the same,” said Edwin Horca, Save the Children Philippines BARMM Team Leader.

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