Local language

 MUPh has now allowed the use of each candidate's local dialect 

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPh) has finally allowed its 2024 delegates to use their own local dialects in expressing their views and opinions; especially in the most crucial closed-door, and onstage, Q&A segments.

In a social media post on Instagram, MUPh president Jonas Gaffud wrote, "We encourage delegates to express themselves in their native language. Sometimes the clarity of their thoughts and the impact of their responses are compromised by the challenge of articulating in grammatically-precise English.

"Let us take pride in our native language. Kung gagamit ng English language, ok lang yan. Pero hindi din masama mag Tagalog, Waray, Ilocano, Bicolano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Chavacano, o iba pang Filipino language."

Netizens reacted to this 'delayed' rule. They were asking why was this not allowed in 2020 when frontrunner Alaiza Malinao used the Visayan language in the interview segment. They pointed out it was her use of the local dialect that led to her non-placement.

Others said, perhaps, the time was not right then.

Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st runner-up Herlene Budol's insistence on using Tagalog in the interview segments of the pageant, as well as the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 where she also competed, may have resonated with aspirants who were not fluent with the English language. And pageant organizations took note of that.

Nor did the BPCI, who was still the license holder of the Miss Universe national search in 2014, favor the use of Tagalog - which led to Pia Wurtzbach not winning a title in 2014. When she was asked by Senator Angara with a question phrased in Tagalog, she answered eloquently in Tagalog. Language educators observed that as a sign of respect and high intelligence.

Another sentiment going around the rumor mill is that, maybe, the organization has found an aspirant who is not fluent in the English language but has caught their attention.

Whether the eventual winner uses English or a local dialect in the much-anticipated final Q&A is of no moment. What matters is that the Philippines selects a candidate worthy of the title, and who can continue Michelle Dee's winning ways in her fight in Mexico.