The upcoming fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. scheduled for next week will skip extravagant productions, high-profile celebrity directors, and mainstream entertainers, as Malacañang underscored its decision to hold a modest yet respectable event.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that ongoing arrangements for the July 27 address are being handled jointly with the House of Representatives, the traditional venue for the annual constitutional mandate.
Castro pointed out that the government intentionally opted for an understated approach, deliberately avoiding star-studded acts and prominent creative figures.
“Ang gagawin lang natin sa gagawing SONA ay simple lamang po at wala pong celebrity directors or mga big A-listers na magpe-perform. So, simple lang pero dignified ang gagawin pong pagsasagawa po ng isang national event katulad po ng SONA,” Castro said during a Palace briefing Monday.
While the Palace official stayed quiet regarding the current progress of the President’s speech, she affirmed that logistical work for what will be Marcos’ penultimate SONA is already in full swing.
Additionally, Castro mentioned that the administration has selected the performer tasked with singing “Lupang Hinirang” prior to the Chief Executive’s address.
She kept the artist’s identity under wraps, however, to keep a sense of anticipation for the public.
“Kung may napupusuan po siya na aawit ng national anthem, mayroon na po at alam ko na rin po pero hindi ko po alam, magpapaalam muna ako kung dapat ko na siyang sabihin… Baka sabihin huwag muna at kailangan na may surprise,” she said.