La Trinidad sets record straight
AS THE first batch of Miss Universe Philippines candidates arrived in La Trinidad, Benguet, officials stand firm, the invitation to bring the beauties to the Valley did not emanate from the town.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said “We wish to clarify that the Local Government Unit of La Trinidad never made any initiative to be included in the itinerary of the Miss Universe Philippines Pageant here in the highlands. Our participation - which is limited to coordination as regards the scenic spots to be visited and police security assistance, thru the LTMPS – was the result of a meeting called by the Office of Benguet Caretaker Congressman Eric Go Yap. Owing to La Trinidad’s
proximity to Baguio City and upon the initiative of Congressman Yap, our inclusion in the photo shoot was meant to showcase selected La Trinidad tourism sites, being the capital town of Benguet.”
Salda released the statement in reaction to statements made by Baguio Country Club general manager Anthony De Leon in a press conference stating “It is the initiative of La Trinidad to come up with the arrangement with the Miss Universe organizers because initially, Miss Universe organizers just wanted Baguio however since they found out about the event, they themselves made the initiatives to have Trinidad be visited by the contestants as well.”
The chief executive said it was the office of Benguet Caretaker Eric Go Yap who initiated the invitation for a photo shoot for the Miss Universe Philippines candidates with the aim to promote the province.
Salda said the town has no intentions to create misunderstanding but wants to set the record straight that the visit of the beauty pageant candidates was offered to them and not an initiative of the local government.
Yap meanwhile assured that Inter – Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) protocols are practiced all throughout and each candidate and staff were tested and isolated before going to Benguet.
"Rest assured that
IATF protocols are practiced all throughout. Each candidate and staff were tested and isolated before going to Benguet. They shall also undergo triage and practice social distancing and wearing of masks," the Yap noted.
Before a photo shoot at the La Trinidad Strawberry Fields, twenty candidates and their entourage went to the triage area in barangay Wangal, La Trinidad.
“Noong inilapit sa atin iyong idea na bibisita sila sa Benguet, di na tayo nag-atubili at pumayag tayo na maging isa sa mga sponsors ng pageant. Hindi ito para sa sarili ko pero ito ay para tuparin ang ating commitment na iguguhit natin and Benguet sa mapa at papasikatin natin ang kagandahan at kayamanan ng ating probinsiya,” the solon added.
On October 16, another batch of Miss Universe Philippines Candidates set to visit Benguet capitol for a photoshoot and then proceed to the Benguet State University to witness a cultural show presentation.
"Nanghihinayang tayo at hindi ito magiging open to public dahil nga sa COVID19. Mas importante ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan at ng mga kandidato. Simula pa lang ito. We'll have more of this to promote our province," Yap added.
On Thursday the candidates went to the gardens of Mount Costa with their entourage and media contingents.