Officials of the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation said they respected the decision of the Department of Tourism to postpone the cultural fashion show originally slated the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
“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,” DFDCFI further stated.
This developed after the announcement made by Department of Tourism Under Secretary Kat de Castro on her social media account postponing the cultural fashion show that was to start starting January 19.
The announcement was made amidst the controversy arising after the DFDCFI expressed its sentiments on the decision of the Miss Universe pageant hosting committee to designate the “non-Mindananoan” designer Rene Salud in dressing up the candidates participating in the cultural fashion show to be held in Davao City.
In a statement posted by DFDCFI member Emi Englis on his Facebook account, DFDCFI emphasized their respect to the committee’s decision to cancel the show.
Guesting during the Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall, Davao City on Wednesday, renowned international fashion designer Alfonso “Boy” Guino-o who is the group’s mentor expressed his disappointment towards DOT on permitting showbiz designer Renee Salud to be the designer and overall director of the event.
Guino-o pointed out that the fact that both Tourism secretary Wanda Teo and President Duterte are coming from Davao City, it is best that Mindanaoan designers will be showcased on the event.
DFDCFI emphasized that with a lot of Davao-based designers renowned in the international arena, there would be no reason to consider Mindanaoan designers in showcasing their craft in the global scene.
At present DFDCFI has 11 members, eight of them are in Davao while three are abroad aside from a number of young artists being trained, a proof of the “vibrant and flourishing fashion industry in the region”.
Meanwhile, in a text message coming from DOT-XI regional office as advised by USec de Castro, the agency confirmed that the Davao tour of the candidates will be pushed through despite the cancellation of the cultural fashion show.
