Kabataan party-list shares look at barong for SONA

Kabataan party-list has prepared a barong for Rep. Raoul Manuel to wear to the first State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

In a statement, the party-list said it turned the barong into a canvas with figures representing the continuous flow of energy, hope, struggle, and optimism of the youth in forwarding education, livelihood, health, and human rights, among other issues.

The sketch was done by young artist Albert Raqueño, a member of the party-list. He will also do the painting on the barong.

Kabataan said the front design showed clasped or holding hands to symbolize national unity for justice (the left hand) and social progress (the right hand).

The back of the barong, it added, showed how the two hands converged into a phoenix, symbolizing the never-ending rebirth of generational struggle toward genuine social change.

The party-list said the outfit carried the statement: “Tuloy ang laban, pag-asa ng bayan!”

In a memo issued by House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza, SONA guests are advised against wearing clothes with political messages. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/HTmXbEZiri

— Tina PanganibanPerez (@tinapperez) July 22, 2022

Meanwhile, the party-list condemned the banning of political messages in clothing at the SONA.

A memorandum released by House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza said “wearing of clothes with political messages shall not be allowed.”

“This is the first time in recent history that an explicit prohibition is issued. Bawal ang protesta, bawal din ang mensahe sa damit kasi takot na takot sa art? Martial Law yaaarn?” said Manuel.

“Dapat igalang ang karapatan nating magpahayag sa kahit munting pamamaraan,” he added.

“As a genuine representative of the youth, it will be an honor for me to wear in clothing the youth agenda for genuine social change.”

Kabataan said the production of the outfit would be pushing through. – RC, GMA News