Michele Theresa Gumabao became the official representative of the Quezon City for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and is considered as one of the strongest contenders for the title. She works as a professional volleyball player and a TV presenter for ABS-CBN Sports and Action. She is the daughter of former PBA player and actor Dennis Roldan and sister of actor Marco Gumbao. She is an advocate of sports and she builds a volleyball camp in 2012 which seeks to give children the potentially life-altering option of choosing volleyball as passion.
The government of Quezon City feels that Michele Gumabao could be a great influence on the people of the city and make them understand the need for the steps to be taken during the crisis time. She joined her hands with the government and recently launched ‘Why I Wear a Mask’, a campaign to further underscore the importance of wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The reason why this campaign was initiated was that according to United States’ Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) study the cases of covid19 could be cut 80 percent of people who wear face masks in public. In another study, it showed that the correct wearing of a face mask can decrease transmission by 70 percent.
In accordance to the need and campaign, a video was released recently on Facebook that features City Hall Staff members from different offices across various age groups along with city’s front liners from doctors to policemen, and contact tracers and COVID -19 survivors to give inspiration and remind people of the importance of wearing masks to contain the disease. The video received positive responses and comments from the audience and now the government is hopeful that the people of Quezon City will take this under consideration that wearing a mask is one of the most essential things they can do now to protect themselves.
“We are glad that most of them understand that wearing a mask not only protects themselves but also their families, friends, and communities,” Mayor Joy Belmonte. Michelle also posted a picture on her social media account with a caption, “I am Michele Gumabao, a professional volleyball player and this Year’s Miss Universe Philippines candidate representing Quezon City. The new normal requires new habits. I will #WearAMask to protect myself, my loved ones, and everyone around me from COVID 19. Be part of the city’s efforts to stop the spread of the virus, let’s encourage one another to follow safety precautions starting by wearing our masks!”
With the inclusion of Michele in the campaign, the government feels that it will create a positive impact on the audience as the people of the Philippines admire the divas a lot and usually follow their advice. The government will soon boost its online campaign to promote wearing masks through Quezon City government’s official Facebook page where many residents rely on the information.
“The city government is serious about its campaign on wearing a mask. This small gesture or move is a way for us to be heroes by protecting yourselves and others,” said Joseph Juico, project head of the city’s COVID-19 community-based testing.
Miss Universe Philippines, under the new roles and leadership, is hosting the debut edition where stunning beauties are competing for the national crown and the opportunity to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2020. Gazini Ganados Miss Universe Philippines 2019 will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.
The organization will be giving life to three roles that it will play for the country for the next few months in search of the next queen. The organization will provide guidance on how to fight the challenges brought because of Covid-19. It will also inspire Filipinos to seek the best versions of themselves during the new normal. It will create initiatives that will bring Filipinos together to do meaningful work.