Governor Henry S. Oaminal is leveraging the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2026 pageant to further position Misamis Occidental as an emerging hub for tourism, investments, and national visibility.
Oaminal said hosting delegates and staging major pageant events form part of a broader strategy to address “outdated perceptions about Mindanao and showcase the province’s progress, safety, and investment potential.”
Misamis Occidental will host key segments of the national competition, including the swimsuit showcase and the Top 10 announcement, marking the province’s first time to stage events of this scale under the prestigious pageant franchise.
“One of the challenges we are encountering is the pessimistic perception of Mindanao and the travel advisories from other countries, but we are glad the national media are here to help disseminate to the whole world that Misamis Occidental is a good place to live in or travel to,” Oaminal said during a press conference.
Officials of Miss Universe Philippines said selecting the province as a host venue reflects confidence in the area’s peace and order situation.
“It’s not a risk at all. By being here, we are showing the world that it is safe, we are happy, and we are thankful,” said MUPH Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag.
The governor said the province’s rebranding campaign is already translating into economic opportunities. During the inauguration of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park (AMORAP), a group of Korean investors reportedly expressed plans to develop a golf course beside the resort within six months.
Oaminal added that the proposed investment could help pave the way for direct flights between South Korea and Misamis Occidental, opening new opportunities for tourism and commerce.
To make tourism developments more accessible, the provincial government also approved pricing guidelines for facilities at AMORAP. Officials set the nightly rate for Ocean Villas at P10,000–significantly lower than the earlier proposed P40,000–with residents entitled to a 50 percent discount.
As part of the pageant partnership, the province will also designate five delegates as “Ambassadors of Misamis Occidental,” promoting priority sectors such as agriculture, health, social services, and education.
The governor said that the collaboration aims to convert national media exposure into “long-term economic gains while strengthening Misamis Occidental’s position in the tourism and investment landscape.”
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