Catriona Gray open to joining AFP as reservist

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Saturday expressed openness to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as reservist.

"I'll be open to it," the Filipina beauty queen said on the sidelines of her courtesy visit at the AFP's General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"I think [that] is something that you [should] definitely learn... in giving back to your country in that way," Gray said.

WATCH: Catriona Gray said AFP expressed willingness to help in her advocacy. Gray also said she’s open to join the AFP as reservist. | @Ted_Cordero pic.twitter.com/OuctSfTWcA

— GMA News (@gmanews) August 17, 2019

Under the AFP Reservist Act of 1991, reservists are mandated to provide the base for the expansion of the AFP in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disaster or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the overall mission.

The Miss Universe 2018, however, is still undecided as to which service branch of the armed forces she would join whether in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

"I don't know. I have to research first," Gray said.

Meanwhile, the beauty queen said the AFP expressed willingness to help her in her advocacy.

"They expressed their desire to partner up with my advocacy and charitable causes, especially about education with the youth, and women empowerment," she said.

"So I'm really excited to pursue that in the future. I think it's also inspirational for our Filipino youth to look up to military figures especially female soldiers and see the duality of strength and softness and also to aspire to have that nationalistic spirit," she said.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray pays courtesy visit to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal. pic.twitter.com/AC3ND4JMOH

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) August 17, 2019

LOOK: Miss Uinverse 2018 Catriona Gray arrives at Armed Forces of the Philippines Headquarters. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/IsvvbCP4lU

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) August 17, 2019

Gray won the Miss Universe crown in Thailand last December 17, besting 93 other countries with meticulous outfit selection reflective of the Filipino culture, her now famous slow-motion twirl on the runway, and by advocating for the rights of underprivileged children.

She is the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe title after Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margarita Moran in 1973 and Pia Wurtzbach in 2015. —KG, GMA News