ILOILO – The municipality of Maasin scored major wins during the Dinagyang Festival 2025 – the coveted Miss Iloilo 2025 crown and back-to-back championship in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan competition.
On January 26, Tultugan Festival of Maasin was declared champion in the Kasadyahan, outshining eight other contingents. The festival received a cash prize of P1.2 million and a trophy.
Additionally, Tultugan Festival bagged four of the eight special awards: Best in Performance, Best in Choreography, Best in Production Design, and Best in Music. Each special award came with a cash prize of P10,000 and a trophy.
“This victory is a testament to the unwavering unity, creativity, and dedication of our entire community. From the stunning performances to the tireless efforts behind the scenes, this achievement would not have been possible without the collective hard work and passion of every individual who contributed,” said Mayor Francis Amboy.
He expressed gratitude to the performers, instrumentalists, and propsmen whose collaborative efforts brought the Tultugan Festival to life. He also acknowledged the teachers of the Maasin Schools District for their role in preserving the spirit of the festival and fostering cultural pride.
“Thank you for showcasing the vibrant culture, traditions, and pride of our beloved Maasin. Together, we have not only claimed the top spot but have also made history again. Let this moment inspire us to continue promoting and preserving our rich heritage,” Amboy added.
Maasin also triumphed in the Miss Iloilo 2025 pageant, with Karen Nicole Piccio being crowned as the winner on January 13.
A national pageant veteran, Piccio captivated judges and audiences with her grace and purpose. She won 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.
Piccio’s pageant career includes being crowned Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism in the 2019 Miss Philippines-Earth pageant. In 2023, she competed in the Miss Manila: Woman of Wonder contest, where she finished as first runner-up.
In recognition of her achievement, the Maasin local government awarded Piccio P100,000 “as a way to express our appreciation for her dedication and effort in bringing pride and honor to Maasin,” Mayor Amboy said./PN
