The Miss Universe Organization has tapped digital technology advocate and inclusivity champion Bran Reluao to serve as chairman of the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines Charity Gala.
The announcement was made Sunday at a press conference in Manila, where a memorandum of agreement was signed in the presence of Miss Universe 2025 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Europe and Middle East Matilda Wirtavuori, and Miss Universe Americas Tatiana Calmell.
“It’s an honor to be part of an organization that has long championed beauty with purpose — through education, empowerment, and humanitarian work,” Reluao said during the ceremony.
Miss Universe Philippines President Jonas Gaffud and Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag also attended the event.
Scheduled for April 30, the charity gala will gather international and local beauty queens to raise funds for Caritas Manila and Hope for Change, a scholarship initiative for disadvantaged students.
“Miss Universe has a proud legacy of creating real impact — sending elementary, high school, and college students to school — and we are proud to continue that mission,” Reluao said.
“This mission aligns deeply with my commitment to informing, inspiring, and uplifting communities,” he added.
Reluao is known for his pioneering work in bridging the digital divide through his flagship project, “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy.” The initiative provides internet access, devices, and digital training to remote and underserved schools nationwide.
Recently, Reluao joined forces with government agencies and private partners to bring the Pay IT Forward program to Marawi City, Mindanao — a city still recovering from conflict.
“Digital transformation should not be a privilege but a right accessible to all,” Reluao said at the Marawi launch. “By providing tools and training to underserved schools, we are creating pathways for hope, opportunity, and empowerment.”