THE 36-member Quezon City council has given Mayor Herbert Bautista the green light to grant P10 million to the Department of Tourism for the conduct of the 65th Miss Universe pageant hosted by the country last January.
City Resolution 7055-2017, introduced by Councilors Franz Pumaren, Godofredo Liban II and Alexis Herrera, authorized Bautista to give the grant at the request of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo.
The pageant was held from January 29 to 30, 2017, with Iris Mittenaere of France winning the crown.
“The 65th Miss Universe pageant is a great opportunity for the country to showcase its natural attractions, modern infrastructure facilities, and the hospitality of its people,” the resolution read.
“It is a form of good governance to utilize the resources and funds of the City as efficiently and effectively as possible to finance the delivery of basic services, and the enhancement of various social and economic activities for prosperity and progress of the people of the City,” it added.
“The pageant will bring international prestige, honor, publicity, goodwill and economic benefit to the people,” the resolution said.
Meanwhile, Bautista led on Monday the opening of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations information kiosk and landmarks exhibit at the lobby of the Quezon City Hall.
The exhibit, organized by the Philippine Information Agency, is part of the Golden Anniversary celebration of the Asean.
ASEAN, formed in 1967, is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 Southeast Asian states. ASEAN has been establishing itself as a platform for integration and cooperation.
The Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also rolled out a Diskwento Caravan, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) set up a booth that offers free massage and cooking demonstration.
The ASEAN landmarks exhibit showcases the top tourist destinations of ASEAN-member countries. The ASEAN Info Kiosk makes Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials available to the public.
According to Susan De Leon of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the exhibit and caravan aim to manifest the benefits of being an ASEAN-member country.