By Jodi Bustos
Eagle News Service
The Philippines may bid for the hosting of the 2019 Miss Universe pageant as a way to reintroduce a newly rehabilitated Boracay to the world.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said it was President Rodrigo Duterte himself who raised the possibility in jest, after Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez asked how they would promote the island again after the six-month closure.
“I know it’s pabiro, sabi niya ‘eh baka pwede natin gawin ang Miss Universe sa Boracay.’ So I was thinking baka pwede,” Teo said.
Teo said the DOT would be “very proud and happy” to showcase the island once the restoration was complete.
According to Teo, as a result, Boracay’s closure starting April 26 could be considered as a “blessing in disguise.”
“It can be recalled that after the 2016 edition, the organizers came to us asking if we can still host the 2017 edition, but we had to turn it down,” she said.