By Jasper Marie O. Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Misamis Occidental will host selected preliminary activities of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant from April 21 to 26 as part of its partnership with the national organization.
The province will serve as a host site for activities, including the swimsuit competition, official photoshoots, and video features highlighting local destinations.
Governor Henry Oaminal said the event provides an opportunity to present the province’s tourism sites to a wider audience.
“Diri pagahimoon ang swimsuit competition for our contestants (the swimsuit competition for our contestants will be held here); our AMORAP (Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park) will be ready by that time. We will be opening this to the public,” Oaminal said.
He said accommodations are also available in the cities of Ozamiz and Oroquieta, and nearby municipalities for visitors attending the event.
Voltaire Tayag, executive vice president of Miss Universe Philippines, said the collaboration includes staging preliminary activities in the province.
He said a new point system will be introduced, allowing public participation in the selection process. “We are bringing the pageant closer to Filipinos by allowing them to have a say in every stage of the pageant,” Tayag said.
Under the system, voters may select candidates through the Maya application during the preliminary round. The Top 10 candidates voted online will be announced in Misamis Occidental, while other finalists will be named during the coronation night in Manila.
The provincial government said preparations are ongoing for the scheduled activities as the pageant continues its pre-event programs. (JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental with reports from the Misamis Occidental Provincial Government)
