Image from Instagram / @themissuniverseph
Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) is encouraging candidates to use their respective native languages other than the universal language of English as they compete in the pageant in 2024.
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the organization took to Instagram to announce their proposition to allow delegates to use their desired language as they recognized the struggles of the contestants in getting their thoughts across during the question and answer portion of the competition.
“We encourage delegates to express themselves in their native language,” said MUPH President Jonas Gaffud. “Sometimes, the clarity of their thoughts and the impact of their responses are compromised by the challenge of articulating in grammatically precise English,”
The local organization’s president said the organization advocates honoring the country’s diverse dialects, saying: “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.”
MUPH first championed the use of native languages to be utilized in the competition in 2020 as they launched a promotional video with 50 official candidates from all over the country speaking and showcasing their respective dialects.
In 2012, 1st runner-up Janine Tugonon was asked by one of the pageant judges, renowned photographer Nigel Barker, during the Q&A portion of the Miss Universe competition if speaking English should be a prerequisite for Miss Universe.
The Philippine representative answered, “For me, Miss Universe is not about being able to speak a particular language. It’s about being able to influence and inspire other people. No matter what language you have, as long as you have the heart, you can inspire other people,”
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray echoed this statement in an interview with Philippine Pageantry, saying, “Miss Universe is just someone who communicates her thoughts effectively and is able to connect to people,”
Meanwhile, the netizens also showed their enthusiasm for the initiative, as they pointed out that it was a “powerful way to showcase the cultural pride and authenticity” of the Philippines.