Miss Universe PH 2023 Michelle Dee has added another jewel to her crown as the beauty is now officially a Philippine Air Force (PAF) reservist.
Michelle shared the news that she had just graduated from PAF in an Instagram post on Sunday, Oct. 1, featuring snaps of her with co-trainees and her mom, Melanie Marquez, at the graduation ceremony held at Villamor Air Base.
“’The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,’” the beauty queen captioned her post.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to become a civilian reservist, which for me is one of the highest forms of love for your country! If you’re waiting for a sign – this is it,” she continued. “Sgt. Michelle Marquez Dee at your service!”
Michelle underwent intensive training for 30 days under the 1st Air Reserve Center (ARCen). As any military reservist, the beauty queen can be deployed during war, invasion, or rebellion, as per the law.
She is also expected to join the force’s activities by providing aid during “disaster or calamities, supporting socioeconomic development initiatives, and contributing to the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities.”
The newest Miss Universe Philippines queen also serves as a goodwill ambassador of Autism Society Philippines and an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Michelle was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 in May. She is vying for the country’s fifth crown in the international competition which will take place on Nov. 18 in El Salvador.