BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO

With her poise, smile, and beauty, you can’t help but be captivated by her charisma.

As Miss Universe Philippines 2025 approaches, Benguet is once again set to compete.

The province’s bet is 26-year-old proud Kankanaey beauty Maiko.

Maiko is from La Trinidad and is the youngest of three siblings.

She has previously competed in national and international beauty pageants.

In fact, she was crowned Miss Tourism Baguio 2022 and was the 1st runner-up in Miss Summit International 2024 and Miss Aura Philippines 2023.

But this time, she is stepping onto the Miss Universe Philippines stage.

“I take pride in representing my province, Benguet, on a national pageant stage. I believe it is time for us Igorots to be seen on a national stage or even more on an international stage,” said Maiko Ibarde, MUPh Benguet 2025.

Although the competition is still in November, she is already preparing rigorously to win the crown.

Her advocacy is promoting sustainable agriculture.

“I champion for our farmers. I worked as a field coordinator officer before, so I’ve been to different places. I’ve seen firsthand struggles, unpredictable prices, import dependency crisis, these are the things I want to address in this journey. I know this platform is big, and it will help me address these issues, especially in the Benguet sector,” she mentioned.

Maiko confidently stated, “I would say I am so ready to set the bar higher this time for my province, Benguet.”

This is the first-ever Miss Universe Philippines Benguet, as it is the province’s first official franchise in the pageant.