MANILA — Amid the uncertain prospects of Binibining Pilipinas and other local pageants due to the coronavirus pandemic, veteran beauty contest organizer Cory Quirino still hopes to mount the 52nd edition of Mutya Pilipinas pageant this year.

"Broadcast is still the norm but we may go online, depending on the situation," Quirino told ABS-CBN News.

Quirino said she is also studying the possibility of staging a virtual pageant coronation like the Miss Philippines Earth 2020 pageant, which will hold its finals on July 5.

Reigning Mutya queens include Klyza Castro, who represented the Country in Miss Asia Pacific 2019; Cyrille Payumo, Mutya runner-up who won the Miss Tourism International; and April Short who joined the World Top Model pageant.

Here is Quirino's full statement:

"In this time of crisis, there is complete focus on recovery and healing. While some might look upon pageants as irrelevant, there has always been the relevance of searching and developing the talent and instilling further the values of responsible role models who, once released to the outside world, will become exemplary citizens, championing their noble causes to uplift the underprivileged. This is where Mutya Pilipinas finds itself -- at the crossroads of decision-making. For now, we are exploring the possibility of staging a virtual pageant. And should we make that final decision, our winners will carry their advocacies of hope to others. Formal announcements will be made next week."

Meanwhile, the Miss Asia Pacific International has officially announced the indefinite suspension of the pageant this year.