The top five finalists (L-R) Miss USA 2015, Olivia Jordan, Miss Australia 2015, Monika Radulovic, Miss Philippines 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Colombia 2015, Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo, and Miss France 2015, Flora Coquerel, stand onstage during the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 20, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wurtzbach went on to be crowned the new Miss Universe. AFP FILE PHOTO

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday confirmed the Philippines will host the next edition of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.

In a press briefing, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said the pageant will be held on January 30, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

She made the announcement on Thursday following reports that President Rodrigo Duterte said he would not spend money on the pageant.

Teo said she and reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach were surprised by the report so she called up Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to ask if the DOT could make the announcement.

Teo confirmed the government will not spend on the pageant, estimated to cost $11 million, as several individuals and companies from the private sector have expressed interest to sponsor it.

READ: Duterte OKs proposal to hold Miss Universe in PH, says DOT chief

Wurtzbach went to the country on July 18 to discuss with President Duterte the proposals for hosting the pageant.

READ: WATCH: Pia Wurtzbach Visits President Duterte

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.

Binibining Pilipinas Universe Maxine Medina will represent the Philippines in the pageant. TVJ/rga