Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has extended his support for Miss Universe Philippines 2021 candidate Kristina Alexandra S. Rodriguez, the lone representative of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in this year’s pageant.
During a courtesy call on Wednesday, Magalong reminded Rodriguez to always strive hard to become a good leader despite the difficulties that may be thrown her way, and to continue having strong passion and determination to pursue her dreams.
“Every crisis should not go to waste—it should lead to opportunities,” Magalong told Rodriguez. “Be a youth leader, champion the rights of women, and develop that passion so you can reach for things even if it seems impossible.”
The 18-year-old Rodriguez—the youngest among this year’s Miss Universe Philippines’ hopefuls and an incoming first year college student—said she took this opportunity to make the most out of the pandemic.
In joining Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Rodriguez is impressively pushing to make things happen, to reach for her dreams, and to achieve her goals, even in these most trying times.
It is thus fitting that Rodriguez is representing Baguio City, which is also in the midst of an impressive transformation amid the still-raging pandemic.
Baguio City, touted as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is well poised to become the first and only smart city in the country today, following the completion of the Baguio City Smart City Command Center.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority, this center will use the Smart City System, the first single smart city platform in the country.
Baguio City was also the country’s first city to be designated as a UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk art several years ago. This makes Baguio City one of the 64 cities globally that is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.
Rodriguez is among the 100 candidates vying for the Miss Universe Philippines title this year. A series of challenges will decide who will advance in the next rounds.
From the current roster of 100 candidates, the list will be trimmed to the top 75, top 50 and eventually top 30, who will compete live during the coronation night on September 25.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez has also appealed for support in her bid to become Miss Universe Philippines.
“These are exciting times for me as I chart a new path. I hope you can all join me in my Miss Universe Philippines journey by voting through the MUPH app, which can be downloaded via Google Play or App Store,” Rodriguez concluded.