La Trinidad, Benguet – The province’s tourism got a big boost with the conduct of professional video and photo shoots by the aspiring candidates of the Miss Universe – Philippines in selected tourist destinations in the capital town over the past several days.
Benguet caretaker congressman and Anti-Crime and Terrorism through Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap, who was earlier approached by the Miss Universe – Philippines organizers for the inclusion of Benguet in the itinerary of the beauties prior to the Grand Coronation on October 23, 2020, stated that the people and officialdom of the province are excited to be part of another phase of history since no other major beauty pageant in the country came to Benguet before and conduct the promotional video and photo shoots.
When the idea on the visit of the beauties to Benguet was brought to his attention by the organizers, Congressman Yap disclosed that he did not hesitate to accede to the request of being one of the sponsors of the prestigious beauty pageant and for the inclusion of selected tourist destinations in the province as part of the itinerary of the contestants prior to the coronation.
“Hindi ito para sa sarili ko pero ito ay para tuparin ang ating commitment na iguguhit natin ang Benguet sa mapa at papasikatin natin and kagandahan at kayamanan ng ating probinsiya,” Congressman Yap stressed.
The lawmaker assured that the interagency task force on the management of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases protocols had been strictly observed throughout the conduct of the preliminary events that were scheduled in the different tourist destinations over the past several days.
According to him, each of the candidates and staff were tested and quarantined before coming up to the province and that upon arrival in the province, they were subjected to the regular triage and that they were reminded to practice physical distancing at all times and for them to wear face masks and shields.
However, Congressman Yap pointed out that it is unfortunate that the scheduled preliminary events will not be open to the public because of the prevailing restrictions of the community quarantine but what is important is for the health and safety of the people and the candidates themselves.
He emphasized that there will be more of the high profile events in the province, especially when the prevailing restrictions will be relaxed so that prospective visitors will be enticed to visit the different tourist spots in the province that are must see destinations for the benefit of generating jobs and providing sustainable sources of livelihood.
Last Friday, the beauty contestants were treated to a live cultural show that showcased the rich culture and traditions of the people of Benguet while the preliminary events will be scheduled in the coming days before the Grand Coronation on October 23, 2020 which will be held at the Baguio Country Club Cordillera Convention Hall.
At present, the beauties are billeted at the Baguio Country Club where they will be staying until October 25, 2020 as the beauties will be going home to Manila in the same batches as what they did when they came to the city and the province. (OIC Joe Manzano, RPN DZBS Baguio, credits to the owner of photo)