Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach of Philippines and two of her fellow queens are helping raise funds to support children’s programs. Joined by Mutyang Pilipinas Intercontinental 2010 Carla Lizardo and Binibining Pilipinas International 2014 Bianca Guidotti, Pia set up a month-long campaign for ‘Save the Children’, a non-government organization.
The fundraiser, dubbed ‘Queentulungan’, was launched in July 2020 through a Facebook live session which also featured Save the Children ambassadors Liza Soberano and Ria Atayde. The campaign is now in its last leg as it will run until the end of August and has raised P216,444 as of writing.
‘Save the Children’ assured that all proceeds from ‘Queentulungan’ will provide kids and their families with a month's supply of hygiene essentials and clean water to keep them protected from illnesses such as COVID-19. Regarding the funds, Wurtzbach said, "We have donated from our own pockets too, but if other people can support this fundraiser then we can help more children and their families.”
On the other hand, Guidotti said, “I want to highlight how important clean water and hygiene essentials are especially during a pandemic. These are things that we tend to take for granted but are crucial in staying healthy." For her part, Lizardo added, “Any amount really helps, so we're encouraging everyone who can to donate."
Wurtzbach, Lizardo, and Guidotti have supported Save the Children's campaigns and programs over the past years through fundraisers, online storytelling sessions, and their donations. Judy Malabanan, Save the Children's individual giving manager, said they are thankful for the three beauty queens' commitment to protect and promote the rights of children. “They have been instrumental in raising awareness and inspiring action to address the issues and needs of children in the country," she said.
Last year in July, the three queens held a fundraising episode featuring three more titleholders: Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida, Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehmann, and Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up Christi McGarry. Among those who have been actively promoting the fundraiser on their social media accounts were Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Bb. Pilipinas International 2019 Patch Magtanong, Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 semi-finalist Alaiza Malinao, and Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong.
After raising over P1 million for medical masks for frontliners, Pia Wurtzbach has partnered with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines for three new campaigns in May 2020. In November 2020 Pia gathered her fellow beauty queens to raise funds for survivors of recent typhoons in the Philippines with the same pageant-themed online talk show, ‘Queentulungan’.
Proceeds from the ‘QueenTulungan’ fundraiser have been going to the Philippine Red Cross, Save the Children Philippines, WWF Philippines, and CFSI organizations. Pia has been an active supporter of organizations and welfare programs through fundraising efforts, like a true queen.