MANILA — Michelle Dee reveals the personal aspect of her “life-long mission” to raise awareness about autism in her introduction video as the Philippines’ representative in the Miss World 2019 pageant.

The Miss World Philippines Organization on Wednesday released Dee’s introduction reel, wherein she is seen interacting with her two siblings who are diagnosed with autism.

Dee has been vocal of her advocacy related to autism. She has been collaborating with Autism Society Philippines, specifically to bring attention to the needs of children on the spectrum.

In fact, she is already looking ahead to having an active role for the observation of Autism Month in January 2020.

For her Miss World campaign — the pageant organization assists in the advocacy of winning candidates — Dee is hoping to increase chapters of Autism Society Philippines in rural areas, in light of the high number undiagnosed cases of autism due to lack of facilities and awareness.

“Having grown up with two autistic siblings taught me the concept of purpose. Autism awareness isn’t just an advocacy for me, but a life-long mission,” she says in her profile video.

“I embarked on this pageant journey driven by purpose and motivated by my heart, knowing this is bigger than myself. It is for my siblings, my family, my advocacy, and for the Filipino people,” Dee adds.

The video also touches on Dee’s background of being a nature lover and a sports enthusiast, and shows glimpses of the natural wonders of the Philippines.

The introduction was first shown in the “Head-to-Head” challenge of Miss World, where candidates are interviewed in batches.

Dee, who follows the footsteps of her mother, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, is currently in London for the month-long pre-pageant activities of Miss World.

The coronation is scheduled on December 14.