Mayor Salda clarifies report over La Trinidad’s involvement with Miss Universe Philippines

La Trinidad, Benguet – Mayor Romeo K. Salda made a clarification on the statement of Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon who told Philippine Daily Inquirer Reporter Ms. Kimberly Quitasol that La Trinidad made the initiative to have an arrangement with the Miss Universe Philippines organizers to make the place be visited by the pageant’s contestants.

In an official statement released today, October 15, 2020, the mayor explained that the remark of De Leon is not true and told that they never made an initiative for the municipality to be included in the itineraries of Miss Universe Philippines.

Nevertheless, in the same press release, Salda said his clarification should not be misunderstood for anything negative but only for the sake of correcting information.

“We further wish to have it made known that we harbor no intentions whatsoever to foment disquiet, division or rancor by the issuance of this statement other than to set the record straight,” the statement reads.

“Our participation - which is limited to coordination as regards the scenic spots to be visited and police security assistance, thru the LTMPS - was the result of a meeting called by the Office of Benguet Caretaker Congressman Eric Go Yap. Owing to La Trinidad’s proximity to Baguio City, and upon the initiative of Cong. Yap, our inclusion in the photoshoot was meant to showcase selected La Trinidad tourism sites, being the capital town of Benguet,” he said.

During the “Kapihan sa Baguio: Miss Universe Philippines” aired yesterday, October 14, 2020 via PIA – Cordillera’s Facebook Page, De Leon was quoted saying, “It’s the initiative of La Trinidad to come up with the arrangement with the Miss Universe organizers because initially, Miss Universe organizers just wanted Baguio however since they found out about the event, they themselves made the initiatives to have Trinidad be visited by the contestants as well.”

This is to answer the question of Ms. Quitasol asking why La Trinidad appeared to be the sole municipality in Benguet to be visited by the candidates.

In his concluding statement, he assured the organizers and supporters that they will continue their commitment to do their part in ensuring the success of the event.

The pageant’s activities and virtual competition will be hosted by Baguio City. It was announced during a press conference on Monday that the Baguio Country Club will accommodate the 48 contestants starting today until October 25.