
ILOILO – The local government unit (LGU) of Maasin extended a token of gratitude worth P100,000 to Karen Nicole Piccio, newly crowned Miss Iloilo 2025, during a grand homecoming ceremony on Monday morning, January 13.
The check was presented to Piccio as part of a program prepared by the LGU to celebrate her victory. Maasinhons gave her a warm welcome, lining the streets, stepping out of their homes, schools, and offices to catch a glimpse of their beauty queen.
“We awarded Miss Piccio a token of gratitude worth P100,000 as a gesture of appreciation for her dedication and effort in bringing home the crown,” said Mayor Francis Amboy in a statement on his Facebook page.
The mayor reiterated that the entire town of Maasin is immensely proud of Piccio.
Piccio was crowned Miss Iloilo 2025 on January 11 at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City. She succeeded Miss Iloilo 2024 Alexie Mae Brooks, who currently holds the title of Miss Philippines-Eco International.
Throughout the competition, Piccio captivated the judges and audience with her grace and purpose. She also garnered several special awards, including Miss SM City Iloilo, Best in Introduction Video, Best in Advocacy and Tourism Video, Best Runway Model, Best in Closed-Door Interview, and Best in Gastronomy Costume (shared with Elaine Segura of Guimbal and Teshia Kaye Palomo).
Joining Piccio as Miss Iloilo 2025 Heartfelt Queens were Segura and Marissa Puyong of Passi City. Segura won Best in Evening Gown, while Puyong earned the Best in Swimsuit award, demonstrating elegance and confidence in these key categories.
Piccio, a seasoned contender, previously joined the 2019 Miss Philippines-Earth competition, where she earned the Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism title. In 2023, she participated in the revived Miss Manila: Woman of Wonder contest, finishing as first runner-up.
The Miss Iloilo pageant, organized by Beverly Rosales and Sarah Peña of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), not only celebrated the beauty and talent of Ilongga women but also highlighted their commitment to community advocacy and cultural promotion. The event served as a prelude to the grand festivities of this year’s Dinagyang Festival./PN