The new chief of the Department of Tourism was eyeing the next Miss Universe pageant to be held in the country, according to a report by CNN Philippines.

The report said DOT Secretary Wanda Teo met with Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart “to discuss the possibility” of the Philippines hosting the next edition of the prestigious beauty tilt.

Teo was quoted as saying that she was “thrilled” about the idea of holding Miss Universe in the country, but added that it would need the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: Sino si Wanda Teo?

In April, reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach said she was “actively campaigning” for the pageant to be held in the Philippines.

READ: Pia Wurtzbach wants next Miss Universe tilt held in PH

“The possibility is always there. But is it a done deal? I don’t know. I can’t give you an answer. But we do want the pageant to happen here,” she said.

The Philippines last hosted the Miss Universe tilt in 1994, which crowned Sushmita Sen of India as winner.

The country first hosted the pageant in 1974, when Margie Moran relinquished her title to Amparo Muñoz of Spain. YG/IDL