MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation on Tuesday took to social media to thank Binibining Pilipinas candidate Sandra Lemonon for inspiring the agency to promote the government's "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program even more.
"Ms. Sandra Lemonon, thank you. You inspired us to campaign for Build Build Build more," the DOTr said, adding some words of encouragement for Lemonon.
The agency expressed its gratitude two days after Binibining Pilipinas Candidate No. 35 failed to answer the pageant question addressed to her.
On Sunday, pageant judge Edgar Saavedra, Megawide construction chair, asked Lemonon about her insights on the government's "Build, Build, Build" program.
Lemonon then responded with all honesty and admitted that she was not aware of the topic.
"The insights of the government's 'Build, Build, Build' program. Actually, I studied so much for this Q&A, but suddenly that's something that I really don't know much about. But, at least I'm here trying to answer a good question. Thank you!" Lemonon said during the pageant's question and answer portion.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who was the pageant host, commended Lemonon for her honesty. She said her non-answer is better than lying.
Lemonon received praise and criticism on social media
Due to the incident, government agencies including the DOTr and the National Economic and Development Authority relaunched their campaigns to inform the public of the government's P9-trillion infrastructure program.
ALAM MO BA KUNG ANO ANG BUILD, BUILD, BUILD?
— NEDA (@NEDAhq) March 20, 2018
Ang Build, Build, Build ay isang komprehensibong programa ng administrasyong Duterte na nagbibigay prayoridad sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura sa bansa. pic.twitter.com/4zcvgiBW4g
Lemonon said she studied for the question and answer portion but was expecting topics like divorce, human rights, violence, Marawi City and Dengvaxia.
Lemonon also admitted that she did not understand the question.
"I was ready for these questions and when I had my question, I was just stunned because also I didn't understand the question. I really didn't," Lemonon said in an interview with ABS-CBN news.
"I really thought he was saying about bills not about building," she added.
Although she regrets not being able to answer the question, Lemonon shared that now that she understand the question, she supports the push for investment in infrastructure.
"I'm pro building infrastructure. Who isn't? It's about time! Like how are we going to get our economy better without this? It's about time! There’s no answer for 'no', there's only 'yes' to this," the candidate, who was previously crowned Fourth Princess of Miss World Philippines 2016, said.