SONA 2017 fashion highlights Mindanao

The ladies of the government in their chosen Filipiniana outfits

The Duterte administration is known for its simplicity, which follows through the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), shunning the usual pageantry and grandiose of the event’s red carpet. This year, politicians and guests were told to keep a modest dress code—requested attire was business or Filipiniana.

While some turned to the classic ‘terno,’ a number of female attendees and politicians chose to come in their colorful Mindanao-inspired outfits as support for the rehabilitation of Marawi, while some used this opportunity to make a stand on issues like Martial Law and contractualization.

Fixing my Maranao landap malong, which used to hang in my office in my first term as senator. Almost 20 years after, I am now wearing it in #SONA2017. Also in the 1990s, I was conferred the title Bai a Labi a Macalangkap by the Marawi Sultanate League. It is an Honorary Muslim title which means known to everyone. #ootd #mindanao #marawi #philippines #women #weaving

A post shared by Senator Loren Legarda (@iamlorenlegarda) on Jul 24, 2017 at 5:30pm PDT

A post shared by Love Marie Ongpauco Escudero (@iamhearte) on Jul 24, 2017 at 5:11am PDT

A post shared by Emmeline Aglipay Villar (@emaglipayvillar) on Jul 24, 2017 at 12:29am PDT

Sona 2017 red carpet fashion, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez and daughter Juliana | @gmanews pic.twitter.com/d0LAI3FLjJ
— Aya Tantiangco 三浦アヤ (@ayaruim) July 24, 2017