Michelle Dee reveals personal ties behind her global advocacy for the autism community

• Former Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee highlights the growing global impact of her advocacy after winning the Voice for Change award
• The Autism Society Philippines ambassador notes a significant rise in parents seeking help following her international representation
• Despite reaching 40,000 attendees at the last Angels Walk, Dee emphasizes that there is still massive room for growth in public awareness
• The beauty queen is urging the Philippine government to implement financial aid and insurance coverage for therapy and specialized education

The global stage has become a powerful megaphone for autism awareness, according to Michelle Dee, as she gears up for the upcoming "Angels Walk for Autism" on April 26, 2026, at a mall in Pasay City. The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Goodwill Ambassador recently reflected on how her platform has shifted the conversation on a massive scale.

"It really proved that despite, I think it was 75 or 80 other advocacies that were being championed, we won gold this," Dee says while discussing her Voice for Change win.

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She shares that the victory triggered a wave of families reaching out for guidance, proving that representation matters. The movement has come a long way from its humble beginnings, with the last walk drawing a record-breaking 40,000 participants.

For Dee, the mission transcends her public title and is rooted deeply in her own household.

"Behind everything I do and we do publicly, this for me has always been very personal," she explains.

She grew up alongside two siblings on the spectrum, her older brother Zen and younger brother Adam, which shaped her understanding that advocacy is a lifelong journey rather than a one-time destination.

Beyond awareness, Dee is now pivoting toward systemic change by advocating for better financial infrastructure for Filipino families. She points out that in other countries, education, healthcare, and therapy for individuals with autism are often integrated into insurance plans or supported by government-funded programs.

Currently, most Filipino families have to pay for these essential services entirely on their own.

"To provide therapy for the right education, it comes out of the pocket of the family," Dee notes.

She stresses that the government needs to step in to provide the same level of guidance and systems found abroad, ensuring that no family is left to navigate the financial burden of care alone.

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Michelle Dee is a prominent Filipino actress, model, and beauty queen who followed the legacy of her mother, Melanie Marquez. She gained international recognition after finishing in the Top 12 at Miss World 2019 and later securing a Top 10 placement at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador. Her consistent achievements on the global stage have strengthened her reputation as one of the Philippines’ leading beauty ambassadors, admired for her elegance, confidence, and strong representation of Filipino excellence in international pageantry.

In separate news, Michelle Dee shared a heartfelt moment on social media after visiting her massive new billboard along EDSA, one of the busiest highways in the country. The beauty queen expressed disbelief and gratitude, calling the milestone a dream come true. She personally documented the experience with her close creative team, even playfully reminding herself to stay calm amid the overwhelming excitement. The achievement marks another highlight in her growing career as a fashion icon and public figure in the entertainment industry.

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Meanwhile, Michelle Dee’s legal team is reportedly considering requesting an Interpol red notice against Xian Gaza if a warrant of arrest is issued. Her lawyer confirmed that a supplemental affidavit was recently filed before the NBI Cybercrime Division. Gaza is believed to be in Thailand, which could lead to international coordination if the case progresses in court. Meanwhile, the NBI has also issued a subpoena to Michelle regarding separate allegations involving physical injuries and illegal detention as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.

Source: KAMI.com.gh