By Josephine Grace Aguilo
Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Miss Intercontinental Jeniffer Hammond (left), Miss Grand International Nicole Cordoves (center), and Miss International Kylie Verzosa (right) pose for photographers at the Novotel, Araneta Center in Quezon City, Wednesday. The ladies are set to leave for their respective competitions next month (October). (MNS photo)
MANILA, Sept. 28 (PNA) – Miss Universe Organization officials are currently in the Philippines to conduct ocular inspections in Manila and other destinations to be visited by the candidates, Tourism Undersecretary Katherine de Castro confirmed on Wednesday.
In an interview, de Castro said that technical inspections were already conducted in Manila, particularly at the Mall of Asia Arena where the coronation night will be held. Other provinces to be visited by the organizers are Vigan, Cebu, and Davao.
When asked about reports that other candidates are hesitant to visit Davao City due to travel advisories issued by the country they represent, de Castro clarified that there has been “no concrete statement from Miss Universe in terms of Davao.
“Davao will definitely push through. It will be part of the ocular inspection for the next few months,” she said.
After the bomb explosion in Davao City on Sept. 2 that killed 15 individuals and injured 69 others, five countries issued travel warnings to Davao City, namely Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore.
“Not all candidates will be joining the Davao leg. Miss Universe is not required to bring the 97 candidates,” said de Castro.
She also mentioned that Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo has assured the Miss Universe Organization that when they visit Davao, their security will be the topmost priority.
Teo has given instructions to promote Davao’s culture by featuring clothes and fabrics inspired by different tribes, and people in Mindanao are preparing to give a good show, according to de Castro.
Miss Universe and the tourism department are expected to give an official announcement in the next few days on how the pageant will run, the list of performers, and other important matters.