La Vega. – With a warm welcome that reflected the pride and admiration of an entire province, young Melissa Núñez stepped back onto her native soil after conquering the coveted crown of Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2026. The La Vega native, who is now preparing to shine at the 75th edition of Miss Universe in Puerto Rico, was received as a local heroine in an emotional ceremony led by the highest provincial and municipal authorities.
The tribute event, held in the municipal hall, featured the stellar presence of Mayor Amparo Custodio and the provincial governor, Luisa Jiménez de la Mota, who led the official recognition of the new national sovereign. Both officials agreed on highlighting the symbolic value of Núñez’s triumph, not only as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the strength, beauty, and talent of the Vegan woman.
In a gesture of high symbolic significance, the Municipal Council declared Melissa Núñez as a Meritorious Daughter of La Vega, a distinction that was personally presented by Mayor Custodio. During her speech, teacher Amparo Custodio highlighted: “Melissa does not just wear a crown; she carries the name of every vegan family that believes in dreams. Her discipline and charisma fill us with hope and remind us that La Vega is the cradle of great women. From the City Hall, we guarantee her our full support so that her journey through Miss Universe is unforgettable.”
For her part, Governor Luisa Jiménez de la Mota, representing the provincial Executive Branch, emphasized the young woman’s social commitment and her role as an ambassador of Dominican culture and values. “It is an honor for the entire province that such a well-rounded woman as Melissa represents us. Her preparation, her social sensitivity, and her firmness are the example that our youth need.”
We recommend reading: Melissa Núñez, representative of Concepción de La Vega, is crowned Miss RD Universe
The event, which brought together family, friends, representatives of neighborhood associations, civic clubs, and cultural figures of the city, became a true celebration of Vegan identity. Attendees waved flags and chanted slogans of support, while Melissa Núñez, visibly moved, thanked everyone for the affection received and dedicated the triumph to her people: “Every step I take in this preparation, I do it with the soul of La Vega in my chest. I will take to Puerto Rico not only the Dominican flag, but also the faith and energy of my people.”
More Read
With this distinction, La Vega not only celebrates an achievement in the most important beauty pageant in the world, but also reinforces its commitment to female empowerment and institutional support for its talents. Melissa Núñez now begins an intense agenda of physical, emotional, and cultural preparation, with her sights set on raising the voice of the Dominican Republic on the universal stage, backed by the visible leadership of its authorities and the unwavering warmth of its people.
The vegan dream now flies higher than ever, with the backing of its mayor, its governor, and an entire town that believes in its star.
