LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 20: Miss Philippines 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (C), who was mistakenly named as First Runner-up reacts with other contestants after being named the 2015 Miss Universe during the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 20, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
DESIDIDO ang Department of Tourism na ituloy ang pagho-host ng Miss Universe pageant sa Pilipinas kahit na may mga grupong nagpepetisyon na sa ibang bansa na lamang ganapin ang nasabing international beauty pageant.
Lumabas ang balitang ito sa kasagsagan ng preparasyon ng DOT sa nasabing event. Nanguna ang Undersecretary na si Kat de Castro sa ilang announcements kaugnay ng Miss U 2017.
Kahapon naglabas ng official statement ang DOT bilang sagot sa mga petitioners na humihikayat sa Miss Universe organizing committee na iurong na ang pagsasagawa ng beauty pageant sa bansa.
Ayon sa mga ito, kapag natuloy ang Miss U sa bansa sa darating na January, 2017, magsisilbi lang daw itong “reward to what we believe was the objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind.”
Ngunit hindi nga naniniwala rito ang Tourism Department dahil suportado raw ng maraming sektor ng pamahalaan na dito ganapin ang Miss U, kabilang na ang mga grupo ng mga kabataan at kababaihan. Narito ang kabuuan ng pahayag ng DOT.
“The government’s decision to accept the offer of Miss Universe Organization to stage the spectacular event in the Philippines has gained overwhelming public support, especially among Filipino women and their families.
“Needless to say, this is such a special and proud occasion where we are presented with the golden opportunity to host the event in which the reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of Cagayan de Oro City would pass on the Crown to her successor.
“In addition, the massive attendance of international media for two-week extravaganza would be a big boost to the country’s tourism promotion program that will benefit local businesses and livelihood, as well as the travel and tour sector.
“While the DOT gives due respect to such opinion as signified by a group of women leaders and concerned citizens, we assure everyone that we deem it a great honor to host the distinguished event that portray the most beautiful women with highest regard.
“In this light, the DOT expresses its utmost gratitude to the Miss Universe Organization of giving us the great opportunity to treat the world to genuine Filipino hospitality.”