MoU SIGNED FOR MBOP TO EXTEND REACH TO 22 PROVINCES

CAPTION: Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo signing the MoU with Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant Chairlady Mrs Anna Bais at Apec house.

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

THIS year, the Miss Bird of Paradise (MboP) Pageant is extending its reach to the 22 Provinces in the country, consolidate through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding signed between the pageant and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) signed on Saturday 21st March, 2026 at the Apec Haus in Port Moresby.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Miss Bird of Paradise 2025-2026, Iampela Popena will be Papua New Guinea’s cultural ambassador, promote the country’s tourism, cultural heritage, and national identity.

The event became even more special when the chairlady of the Pageant, Mrs Anna Bais announced that this year, the pageant will be amplified, with a callout to all 22 provinces to present their provincial queens.

Chairlady Bais said the pageant is more than just a beauty pageant, it a platform to promote and preserve culture, national unity, empowerment and leadership.

She adds that it is an opportunity for young Papua New Guinean women to break the barriers of stigma and discrimination, showing the unwavering strength and resilience and the deep roots of cultural heritage women have.

The MBoP Chairlady also announced that this year, Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province will host this year’s pageant in December.

Notably, since its inception, the MBoP has been receiving great support from the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Belden Namah and the TPA through its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo.

Minster Namah at the event last night once again voiced his support to the pageant, adding that Tourism is the sleeping giant, the giant that has huge potential to boost economic growth.

He adds that MboP is a key driver of tourism growth in the country and the region.

With just three years of existence, the Pageant is fuelled by volunteers who have the passion to promote what the beauty of a diverse nation.