SIQUIJOR, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray took her “advocacy heart” to the mystical island of Siquijor this week, reaching out to a remote village that has long struggled with a persistent clean water crisis.
The beauty queen and humanitarian visited Barangay Bontod in the municipality of Larena on May 7, 2026, as part of her ongoing collaboration with several non-profit organizations to provide sustainable solutions for water-deprived communities in the Philippines.
Barangay Bontod, located in the mountainous area of Larena, has historically relied on expensive water deliveries or untreated natural springs. The lack of a stable water system has not only impacted the health of the residents but also limited the development of local agriculture.
- The Outreach: Catriona, alongside volunteers, distributed water filtration kits and hygiene packs to hundreds of families.
- The Goal: Beyond immediate relief, the mission aims to identify long-term infrastructure needs, such as the installation of solar-powered water pumps and filtration stations similar to those Gray has supported in other provinces.
During her visit, Gray spent time talking with local mothers and children, listening to their daily struggles with water scarcity.
“Clean water shouldn’t be a luxury; it’s a basic human right,” Gray said during a brief community gathering. “Seeing the resilience of the people here in Bontod is inspiring, but they shouldn’t have to struggle just to have safe water to drink. My hope is to use my platform to bring more eyes—and more solutions—to this beautiful village.”
The outreach was made possible through the support of:
- Young Focus Philippines: Gray’s long-time partner organization, focusing on the education and welfare of children.
- Clean Water International: A group specializing in low-cost, high-impact water purification technology.
- Local Government of Larena: Mayor’s office representatives were present to facilitate the logistics and discuss the integration of the project into the municipal development plan.
While Siquijor is known for its “mystical” reputation and booming tourism, Gray’s visit highlighted the “gentle heart” and the real-world challenges faced by those living outside the main tourist strips. Residents expressed their gratitude not just for the supplies, but for the global icon’s willingness to trek to their remote location.
Catriona Gray continues to be one of the most active former Miss Universe winners, consistently leveraging her massive social media following to champion causes ranging from education and arts to children’s rights and environmental sustainability.