Gerry Gascon and his wife Leslie Indencia-Gascon, of Leknaan Ya Pozorrubio, Inc. in Pangasinan, a non-government organization, are the new accredited partners (APs) of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant.

During the contract signing held in Quezon City recently, the couple said they are thrilled to be partners with Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

"Isang malaking karangalan sa amin na mapili bilang accredited partners ng Miss Universe Philippines," said Leslie after the contract signing event.

Pageants are a big deal in their municipality, considering the lack of tourist attractions in the area, Gerry added.

"Gabi-gabi yan sa bawa't barangay, marami silang mapapanood na beauty pageants lalo na kapag malapit na ang fiesta: pambabae, panlalaki at kung ano-ano pang pageants. Hopefully, ang pageants ang maging daan para dumami ang mga bisita sa aming municipality," the businessman said.

Leslie hopes that Grace's participation in the Miss Universe Philippines competition could help promote Pozorrubio.

For this year's Miss Universe Philippines competition, Grace Jineah Chua Lumague will represent Pangasinan.

Grace, 22, is a second-year nursing student at the University of Baguio. She was inspired to take up nursing because her parents work in medicine.

"I advocate women and children rights, because the news about violence against women and children makes me want to become the voice of the voiceless women and children here in our community," she said.

She added: "With this, I want to be the embodiment of hope for these kinds of aspects in our life. I believe that fighting for their rights would allow them to be the best version of themselves."

Grace was personally handpicked by the couple for Miss Universe Philippines 2024. Mr. Gason said: "She has a big heart. Palaban po siya. Nakita namin ang attitude niya. Kahit busy siya sa school niya, sumasama siya sa mga outreach program namin. Sasama talaga siya. Kapag pupunta kami sa nga pilapil, wala siyang kiyeme. Kailangan talaga sa Miss Universe may puso. Kahit nakita namin na maraming malakas, ang Pangasinense po ay hindi umaatras sa laban. Andoon po ang quality na parang si Princess Urduja."

More MUPh candidates

Mags Cue, of the Miss Universe Philippines national search committee, said that many cities and provinces are still interested in joining the national pageant. However, the deadline for the national search is finished.

'We invited the towns and municipalities nationwide. Pero kung sino lang ang naka-sagot ng aming invitations, yun ang ating mga naging accredited partners.

"But there are a lot of cities and provinces na humahabol pa. Pero it's going to be unfair for the others who have attended the Miss Universe Philippines initial activities like the press and public presentation. If meron oang humahabol, next year na po sila.

"There will be changes and pagagandahin pa natin ang ating accredited program. So maraming humahabol and for next year, dadami pa ang ating candidates and partners," said Mags.

Arnold Mercado, also of MUPH, added: "Maraming nagka-interest. But we will filter lahat ng APs na papasok. But if magiging AP sila, hindi puwedeng lahat at may limit lang sa bawa't province. Cities and provinces lang ang sure. Bihira na pinagbibigyan ang municipalities."

There are 55 candidates who will vie for the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2024.