Catriona Gray took to social media to call for improved governance and transparency following the series of calamities that recently struck the Philippines.
"So many homes and lives devastated by the recent typhoons, earthquakes, and floods sa ating bansa. The storms will always come but we can be better prepared, systems put into place to mediate or reduce the [effects]," she said in an Instagram post.
The Miss Universe 2018 stressed that Filipinos deserve better leadership and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of the people.
"How I pray that our public funds will be used with transparency and intention to protect the livelihood, safety, and essential human needs of the Filipino people. How I pray that we would hold our government accountable to how they exploit the environment to the consequence of increased risk for communities. How I pray we won't just be glorified for being resilient when our nation is merely surviving. We deserve so much better," the beauty queen remarked.
She also encouraged fellow Filipinos to continue seeking accountability from the country's leaders. "I pray we'll never settle in a place of 'ganun talaga eh,' wag tayo masanay. Who we put in leadership need to be held accountable to the responsibility of protecting and uplifting the lives of the nation," she stressed.
Concluding her post, Catriona asked her followers to continue extending help to communities affected by the recent disasters. "For now, let's continue to spotlight the communities who are still in need of aid. Many communities are still cut off from fresh drinking water, submerged under water or are in need of basic needs. Kindly help me share them below sa comments so we can get awareness and relief out to them. @philredcross and @angatbuhay are doing incredible work on ground, however much we can give goes a long long way," she stated.
Fans online were quick to react to Catriona's post.
"Thank you for being the voice and for using your platform," one fan commented.
"Couldn't agree more, Cat! This message is very timely. It is not just being cognizant to environmental causes, but also to choose the right and credible leaders who can lead to avert the ripple effects of the climate change. Stay safe, Queen!" another fan wrote.
Back in September, Catriona joined the Trillion Peso March at the People Power Monument to stand against corruption.
Following the protest, she also took to social media to voice her call for accountability.
"Pilipinas. Nafefeel nyo ba? We wear no colours - we stand together united for our nation. We pay our taxes. And as responsible, law abiding, tax paying citizens we DESERVE to know (and see) that our taxes are going towards the betterment of our nation," she said.
The beauty queen went on: "We will not be satisfied with theatrics, or empty promises. Tama na acting!! All of our eyes are on our leaders. How you handle your positions - we will be watching and demanding good and fair governance. We demand accountability! We call on our leaders to CLEAN UP THE CORRUPT!"
Ending her post, Catriona called on government officials to take action. "Sa mga lider namin, the ball is in your court.. ipaglaban niyo kami. Change takes time. But the time to change is NOW," she remarked.