Miss Universe Philippines announces new accredited partner

Aspiring beauty queens from Quezon Province now have a trusted organization they can turn to to further their pageant dreams as the Miss Universe organization has announced a new accredited partner in the province.

The Miss Universe Philippines organization made the announcement on their official Instagram account, naming Gerald Ortiz as an accredited partner (AP) of the organization in Quezon Province. The organization also posted multiple pictures from the contract signing that featured Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, AP Directors Joseph Rivera and Arnold Mercado, and CPT President Lloyd Lee.

The announcement of this accredited partner is just the latest move by the Miss Universe Philippines organization and its sister groups to strengthen their position in the local pageant scene. Back in September, Miss Universe Philippines' sister organization The Miss Philippines announced a partnership with Miss Asia Pacific International. The Miss Asia Pacific International was first started in 1965 as a Miss Asia contest before becoming Miss Asia Pacific in 1984 and Miss Asia Pacific Quest in 1985 before becoming Miss Asia Pacific International. The pageant aims to promote Philippine tourism overseas, which mirrors The Miss Philippines pageant's own objectives.

The Miss Universe Philippines organization also teased The Miss Philippines California back in August, with the group raising the possibility of the next Miss Universe Philippines being a “Fil-Am beauty.”

While the organization expands its reach, the current reigning Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee continues to work for her advocacy after her top 10 finish in the Miss Universe pageant.

Michelle recently spent time at a shelter for kids with special needs to distribute gifts, engage in games and dancing, and share a meal with the staff and beneficiaries of the organization, Cottolengo Filipino, Inc.