MANILA, Philippines, Nov 16, (Agencies): Miss Universe Philippines, Michelle Marquez Dee, has been honored as one of the 10 silver finalists in the Voice for Change video competition at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition in El Salvador. The announcement was made by Lebanese jeweler Fred Mouwad during the preliminary competition held on Wednesday night in El Salvador.

Fred Mouwad, in collaboration with CI Talks, presented the Voice for Change video contest. On the final night, three gold winners of the Voice for Change contest will be awarded a substantial cash prize of US$12,000, as revealed by Mouwad.

Among the other candidates competing in the Voice for Change category are representatives from Angola, Brazil, Chile, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.

Mouwad emphasized that the mission of Voice for Change is to empower all Miss Universe delegates on their journey as ambassadors for their countries. He stated, "And for social change, we aim to amplify their voice so they can continue improving lives, society, and ultimately the world." He underlined that the Voice for Change contest is not a one-time event but a commitment to making a lasting impact.

However, organizers clarified that the Voice for Change competition does not influence the selection of the next Miss Universe.

In the Voice for Change competition, each delegate creates a powerful video, up to three minutes long, advocating for a cause close to their heart. Mouwad described it as more than a competition, emphasizing its role as a call for action, an invitation to transform the world, and a celebration of intelligence, integrity, and culture.

During the same event, the 85 contestants of the 72nd Miss Universe Competition showcased their swimsuits and evening gowns. The preliminary competition will contribute to selecting the top 20 semifinalists for the 2023 Miss Universe, with the announcement scheduled for Nov 18 (Nov 19 Manila time).