LINGAYEN – Big cash prizes and the prestige of being proclaimed as Pangasinan’s loveliest maiden await this year’s Limgas na Dayat winner.

Dr. Jackson Soriano, OIC provincial health officer and Limgas committee chair, said screening sessions for candidates are scheduled on March 17 and 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lingayen Gulf Resort Hotel in Lingayen town.

He said he recommended to Gov. Victor E. Agbayani that cash prizes be increased from P75,000 to P100,000 for the Limgas queen, P75,000 for the first runner-up, and P50,000 for the second runner-up.

All the three winners will also receive handsome trophies and additional prizes.

The candidates will also have a chance to win many special awards such as Miss Talent who will go home with P10,000; Best in Swimsuit, P5,000; Best in Evening Gown, P5,000; Miss Photogenic, P5,000; Miss Friendship, P5,000; and several other special awards from various sponsors.

Non-winners will not go home empty handed as they will receive consolation prize of P5,000 each.

Any Pangasinan aged 16 to 22 years may join the Limgas search, being held annually as the province’s most prestigious beauty competition.

A candidate must be single, at least 5’3” in height, at least high school graduate, with pleasing personality and of good moral character.

Those interested to join are required to bring with them authenticated birth certificate, copy of high school diploma, one 3R-size close-up colored photo, one full-body shot photo, a swimsuit and casual dress, a pair of high-heeled shoes, and endorsement from the mayor or local police station.

Application forms are available at the Provincial Health Office, Kalantiao Building, Lingayen, with tel. nos. (075) 542-3997 or 0917-508-6321 or ask for Florence Nipales, Cathleen de Guzman or Norie Realino.(Donna F. Domagas/PIO)