Good to know!
The Malacañang is reiterating earlier reports that the government will not spend money on hosting the upcoming Miss Universe in the country.
READ: Duterte says he ‘wouldn’t spend money’ on hosting Miss Universe pageant
READ: Miss Universe to be held in PH on Jan 2017
“The Philippine government will not be giving a single centavo [to Miss Universe] except of course in terms of services, in terms of protection, in terms of security, but not in actual cash,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during a press conference on Fri, Jul 29.
Yesterday, Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo announced that Miss Universe will be held in the country on Jan 30, 2017.
But she also said that no government funds will spent on the pageant as “the private sector will shoulder the expenses.”
According to reports prior to the annoucement that the Miss Universe pageant will be held in the country, Duterte said he would not spend on the event.
“(Duterte) said that the government has to prioritize other things, including its drive for higher infrastructure spending,” Rappler reports.
Budget for the Miss Universe pageant is estimated to reach around $11 million.
LOOK: 8 winning photos of Bb Pilipinas 2016 winner Maxine Medina
Maxine Medina, the Philippines’ representative in the 2016 Miss Universe pageant, already took to social media to express her joy over the news.
“Yazzz! It’s official, Miss Universe will be held here in Philippines. Calling out all Miss Universe 2016 Candidates,” she tweeted.
According to ABS-CBN News Online, Teo is looking into holding parts of the pageant in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Palawan, Boracay and Vigan. Besides the actual coronation night, the Miss Universe event holds pre-pageant activities. Teo said she sees the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines as a month-long event.
