THE Lapu-Lapu City Government will not spend any funds for the upcoming Miss Universe 2017 swimsuit presentation in the city.
City Mayor Paz Radaza said that Lapu-Lapu is just following what President Rodrigo Duterte said when the country was chosen to host the international pageant.
Last July, Duterte said the National Government will not spend money for the event.
In a report from Rappler, the President said that he has to prioritize other things, including his drive for higher infrastructure spending.
According to the same report, the cost of having the Miss Universe 2017 pageant was estimated to be at $10 million to $12 million.
The swimwear presentation of Miss Universe 2017 will be held at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu in Lapu-Lapu City.
Improvements
While the event will boost the city’s tourism, the mayor is cautious that they will only spend their funds for some improvements in the City.
Usually, a local government unit hosts dinner for the guests and participants whenever there is a big international event in their area.
This time, Radaza said, they will not spend anything for the pageant itself, just like hosting a dinner.
“Dili ingon ang city (The City will not spend for the said pageant) because this is a separate event,” Radaza said.
“Ang ato lang, I dont think we are allowed into that because the President’s statement was specific, no government funds (shall be used), so what we are doing is we are trying that Lapu-Lapu City will be presentable in the coming of the Miss Universe,” Radaza explained.
Projects
The City Government has been coordinating with the regional and district offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the ongoing projects in the city, especially on the roads leading to Jpark Hotel, the presentation venue.
Radaza said there is an ongoing drainage project near the airport and another one in Barangay Ibo, where flood happens during heavy rains.
“Hopefully, they can double their time to finish these projects so there will no more problem,” she added.
The City Government would like to see that the candidates will enjoy their stay in Lapu-Lapu.
Radaza has planned to suggest to the management of Jpark to put up big screens in Hoopsdome in Barangay Gun-ob so people who cannot get inside the venue will still have the chance to see the event live.