Miss Universe candidates to visit Davao City

DOT Usec. Kat de Castro confirms that Miss Universe candidates will visit Davao City despite the deadly explosion last Sep. 2

MANILA - The Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed Monday that Davao City remained one of the key cities to host pre-pageant activities for Miss Universe 2017.

Undersecretary for Administration and Special Concerns Katherine De Castro said Miss Universe candidates will visit Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, despite security concerns after an explosion occurred on September 2 which resulted in 15 deaths and 69 injuries.

“We have talks not just with the PNP but also with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and everybody’s on board before it was a once a month meeting pero habang papalapit tayo sa Miss Universe magiging twice a month na yan,” De Castro said.

“In terms of security, okay na tayo even as far as going to Davao,” she assured.

Meanwhile, other cities confirmed to host Miss Universe pre-pageant activities are Cebu, Palawan, and Vigan but DOT is still hoping to include Bicol and Iloilo.

“Isisiksik namin lahat ng probinsya na pwede naming isiksik,” De Castro said as local tourism is expected to receive a significant boost.

The Miss Universe Organization is expected to reveal the host and performers for the coronation night by the end of September.

The pageant will be held on Jan. 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena. [via PNA]