Miss Universe Philippines encourages delegates to use their native language
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization is encouraging this year's candidates to express themselves using their native language.
According to Jonas Gaffud, the president of the MUPH organization, the move aims to improve clarity and avoid potential language barriers among candidates.
"We encourage delegates to express themselves in their native language," Gaffud said.
He continued, "Sometimes, the clarity of their thoughts and the impact of their responses are compromised by the challenge of articulating in grammatically precise English."
Gaffud noted that English is still allowed as their medium of communication but reminded the candidates to "take pride" in their native language.
"Let us take pride in our native language. Kung gagamitin ang English language, okay lang yan. Pero hindi rin masama mag-Tagalog, Waray, Ilocano, Bicolano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Chavacano, at iba pang Filipino Language."
This year's edition of Miss Universe had several changes in its rules such as the new Accredited Partners Program, which allows approved organizations to select representatives through local pageants or appointments.
Moreover, the MUO announced last September 2023 the removal of age restrictions across all Miss Universe and associated pageants. In the past, MUO only allowed unmarried women between the ages of 18 and 28 to compete in the beauty pageant.
Other new rules mandated by the international pageant include the inclusion of transgender women, divorced women, wives, and mothers.
Makati's Michelle Dee is the reigning Miss Universe Philippines. She finished in the Top 10 of the international pageant, bagging special awards such as Best in National Costume, one of the winners of the Voice for Change award, and the Carnival Cruise Award.
Meanwhile, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was hailed as Miss Universe 2023.