DAPITAN CITY – After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the prestigious Miss Dapitan pageant made a triumphant comeback this year, as part of the annual Kinabayo Festival.
Previously, one of the highlights of the Kinabayo Festival was the selection of the most beautiful and intelligent young lady in Dapitan who would become the city’s Ambassadress of Goodwill.
The 12 stunning candidates were introduced to the public and faced members of the press to showcase their abilities in addressing various issues, such as the pressing problem of teenage pregnancy.
Kyle Erika Saycon, representing the Vice Mayor’s Office and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, shared her plans if crowned Miss Dapitan: “If I would be crowned Miss Dapitan and I would become the ambassadress, I would call upon our government to take more measures in addressing the issue and even create safe spaces to educate our youth about safe sex.”
Emotions ran high when the candidates were asked about women empowerment and who their role models were regarding the matter.
Ashley Nicole Epo, representing Dakak Resort and Properties, expressed, “It is the right time for us to change the way they look at women because some people look at women in a subjective manner. As for the woman I admire the most, just like candidate number 12, I also admire my mother because I’m not what I am and who I am if not for her. She’s always been my idol since I was small.”
Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos led the opening of the Kinabayo Festival, which showcased various activities and events related to the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, for the people of Dapitan and visiting participants. The festival also featured the formal introduction of the 12 Miss Dapitan 2023 candidates, who represent different sectors, including the private sector.
Mayor Jalosjos expressed his gratitude to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Chairman Emmanuel Calairo for their role in bringing Dr. Jose Rizal’s artifacts from Fort Santiago Museum and Museo ni Rizal sa Dapitan. These artifacts, along with previously unseen artworks by Dr. Jose Rizal, are now on display at the Balai Hamoy Museum.
Residents of Dapitan expressed their joy and relief as the Miss Dapitan pageant returned after the pandemic-induced hiatus.
“It’s relieving because after the pandemic, Miss Dapitan is now back,” said one resident.
The Kinabayo Festival remains the largest celebration in Dapitan City, commemorating the city’s patron, Senyor Santiago.
