Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo revealed on Thursday that security is still an issue to the candidates who will join the Davao tour on January 19.
“Fly in, fly out,” stressed Teo in an interview at the year-end party sponsored by the tourism secretary last Thursday at Marco Polo Hotel Davao.
She added that the ladies will only spend a day in the city.
To assure the candidates that there is nothing to fear in Mindanao, according to Sec.Teo, the Miss Universe organizers will be coming here on January 7 to assess the place and look at the venue for the fashion show as well as the security measures of the city PNP.
“We will have two securities. Aside from the PNP that will be handling the Miss Universe, there is the LCS Group (LCS Group of Companies headed by Chavit Singson),” said Sec.Teo.
Meanwhile, the tourism secretary emphasized that the cultural fashion show in SMX Convention Center will push through after the consultation conducted by DOT and the pageant organizers together with the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. (DFDCFI).
It could be recalled that on December 14, DOT USec Kat de Castro announced on her social media account the cancellation of the auxiliary event due to controversies arising after DFDCI expressed their sentiments for not being appointed to dress the candidates in showcasing Mindanao fabrics and tapestry.
During the consultation held on December 17, it was decided that DFDCFI will dress 10 candidates.
Apart from the fashion show, Teo said that as soon as the ladies arrive, they will have a photoshoot at Eden Nature Park followed by a tour in Philippine Eagle Farm.
“After that they have to be back at 1PM for the rehearsals, for the fitting,” added Sec.Teo.
Before the Miss Universe cultural fashion show, there will also be a side event featuring the designs of Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. (DFDCFI) worn by the local models.
According to the tourism secretary, the committee is still working out the number of ladies who will join the Davao tour.
“Actually we’re working on the 30 to 40 candidates,” said Sec. Teo who added that as of now, 88 candidates have raised assurance on joining the competition.
