Perhaps she is just being prudent.
Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro announced on Wed that the Miss Universe cultural fashion show scheduled on Jan 19 in Davao City has been cancelled after the Davao Fashion and Design Council (DFDC) criticized the pageant committee for picking a non-Mindanaoan designer to showcase the fashion from the region.
“This is to prevent controversies that may arise from the statement made by the local designers of Davao City” De Castro wrote on her Facebook page.
” I did talk to both parties. But neither would give way,” she added on the comments section.
The fashion show was supposed to feature Mindanaoan textile but the designs will be by Batangas-born designer Rene Salud
READ: Davao designers ‘insulted’ over Miss U cultural fashion show
“Call it proper and befitting, the Mindanaoan designers have all the rights and benefits to best represent the distinctive fashion and style of Mindanao, in the first place,” said DFDC in a statement.
Salud expressed his disappointment over the change of plans. He is hoping that the show would be transferred to another location like General Santos or Cagayan de Oro.
According to a report by ABS-CBN New, “Aztec Barba, head of the DFDC, said the group respects the decision of the Miss Universe committee.”
“However, the Davao visit of the Miss Universe candidates should push through even without the cultural show event. The candidates should not be deprived of the experience and distinct hospitality of Dabawenyos,” Barba said.
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