Philippines defers Miss Universe 2017 hosting

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Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo announced the postponement of hosting this year's Miss Universe in the Philippines on June 23.

Officials of Miss Universe and some former candidates went to the Philippines to negotiate the possible back-to-back hosting of the pageant last June 9. The Miss Universe organization reached out to Department of Tourism for the renewal of hosting contract. According to Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, it is possible to host the event since the preparation of last year’s pageant was about three months. Being the major sponsor last Miss Universe 2016, former Gov. Chavit Singson together with the support of the government agencies is open to the possibility of staging the international pageant here in the country.

But in an International Conference on Sustainable Tourism for Development, Teo said: "No Miss Universe this year, baka next year. It would be too soon for the country to host the event since the schedule of the pageant will be held during the last week of November this year."