The Department of Tourism confirmed Monday that Davao City will still host pre-pageant activities in the Miss Universe 2017 contest.
Tourism Undersecretary for Administration and Special Concerns Katherine de Castro said Miss Universe candidates will visit Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, despite security concerns after an explosion occurred on September 2 which caused 15 deaths and 69 injuries.
“We have talks not just with the PNP but also with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and everybody’s on board before it was a once a month meeting but as the pageant nears we will meet twice a month,” De Castro said.
“We are assured of security, even when we go to Davao,” she added.
Cebu, Palawan and Vigan are also set to host Miss Universe pre-pageant activities, but DoT is still considering Bicol and Iloilo.
“We will squeeze in all the provinces we can,” De Castro said, to boost local tourism.
The Miss Universe Organization is expected to reveal the host and performers on the coronation night by the end of September.
The pageant will be held on Jan. 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
