New MUP, Smart help charity institutions for poor kids

The new Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) organization and Smart Communications, Inc. have donated more than P1.6 million to two charitable institutions that would help children with untreated clefts in developing countries, and help poor kids fund their education.

MUP National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee led the handing over of checks to Smile Train and Hope for Change organizations during the finals of Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 competition held at Okada Manila in Paranaque City last Dec. 13.

The MUP, also in collaboration with Frontrow Philippines, donated US$16,500, roughly more than P800,000 each to the two charitable institutions.

Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate.

“Millions of children in developing countries with untreated clefts live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing and speaking,” the group said.

The Hope for Change helps underprivileged children fund their education.

FOR POOR KIDS - Officials of the new Miss Universe Philippines organization led by Shamcey Supsup-Lee (third from left) turn over checks to two charitable institutions during the Global Asian Model Philippines competition held at Okada Manila in Paranaque City Friday night. (Photo by Edmund Ong Chua)

Joining Lee on stage were Albert Andrada, Design Council Head, Jonas Gaffud, Creative Director; Lia Ramos, Head of Women Empowerment Committee and Charity; Atty. Nad Bronce, Head of Legal Affairs; and Mario Garcia, Business Development/Marketing Head.

During the competition, MUP officials did not answer questions related to the beauty pageant. But Gaffud said that the new MUP will hold a press conference on Jan. 15, 2020 in a venue to be announced later.

Gaffud also said that the new MUP will temporarily hold office at Empire Studios at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.