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MISS Universe Philippines (MUPH) San Fernando Cebu Thelma Suzanne Dayao is a dedicated advocate for children's welfare, using her plat-form to raise awareness and support for young survivors of abuse and injustice.
CEBU BEAUTY Thelma Suzanne Dayao is a 20-year-old part-time model and student at the University of San Jose-Recoletos, studying Tourism Management and advocating for children’s welfare. PHOTO FROM THELMA SUZANNE DAYAO
In an exclusive interview with The Manila Times, Dayao shared that the discussion on Miss Universe Philippines and its partnered organizations inspired her to work on various aspects, but she ultimately narrowed her focus down to "Love For Children."
"Because since 2017, I've been working on [a] charity focused on giving back to our children, but over the years, I've learned that children's welfare encompasses more than that," Dayao said.
Dayao emphasized that children's welfare is a complex issue, citing statistics that highlight the various struggles and hardships endured by children, especially those from less fortunate communities.
"As children are often victims of abuse and injustice, I've been actively working on this issue since 2023, when I was crowned Binibining San Fernando," Dayao said.
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"Now that I'm with Miss Universe Philippines, I am even more eager to foster change, especially for the children in our country," she added.
Dayao is a 20-year-old multifaceted individual, juggling part-time modeling with her studies in Tourism Management at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Miss Universe Philippines marks Dayao's third foray into beauty pageants, having previously won Binibining San Fernando 2023 at age 18, and subsequently finishing as second runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu 2024.
"As one of the youngest candidates, I make this position my advantage to really urge the youth that there is no such thing as later," Dayao said.
"You can achieve all of your greatest desires once you grab the opportunity that God is handing to you. Some might say being young means you are "not ready," but now I get to show power and confidence," she ended.
MUPH 2025 heralds a new chapter as Ariella Arida takes over as national director, succeeding Shamcey Supsup-Lee, and bringing a fresh vi-sion to the forefront of the prestigious pageant.
