Former Miss Philippines Earth Joy Barcoma has broken her silence on the circumstances surrounding her absence from the pageant’s coronation night, saying she respected the organization’s decision despite the disappointment of not getting the chance to close her reign with a traditional farewell walk.

In an interview with Boy Abunda, Barcoma said she had already made preparations to travel to Bukidnon after months of coordinating with the pageant team. However, those plans changed unexpectedly on the day the delegates were set to leave.

“I was told that my presence was no longer needed.”

According to the beauty queen, she chose not to contest the decision and accepted the explanation given to her. She said she had been informed that there would initially be no farewell walk for the outgoing queens, leading her to believe there was no reason for her to attend.

Barcoma also revealed that she stayed in touch with the other titleholders, who later appealed to the organizers for a farewell segment. Their request was eventually approved, allowing them to have the ceremonial walk she had originally thought would not happen.

While she holds no resentment toward the organization, Barcoma admitted she was deeply affected by missing what many beauty queens consider one of the most meaningful moments of their reign.

“Every beauty queen looks forward to that. It’s the moment that marks the end of your responsibilities, your commitment, and the legacy you’ve built.”

Rather than dwell on the setback, she said she chose to see it differently, believing that her responsibilities as a titleholder continue even without a formal goodbye on the pageant stage.

Addressing speculation that she had been removed because of an alleged contract violation, Barcoma said no one from the organization ever informed her that she had breached any agreement.

“There was never a conversation telling me that I had violated my contract. The only message I received was that I was no longer needed.”

She added that she did not press for further explanations and instead sent a message expressing that she respected the decision while remaining willing to fulfill any remaining duties if asked.

Although she was unable to take her final walk during the Miss Philippines Earth coronation, Barcoma later had the opportunity to celebrate the conclusion of her reign through appearances at Love Laban and a television morning program, giving her a chance to bid farewell to supporters in her own way.