PREPARATIONS for President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) formally began on Tuesday as the House of Representatives convened the initial inter-agency coordination meeting for the July 27 event, with organizers setting a tone of simplicity for this year’s program.
House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, who presided over the meeting as host, said simplicity will guide the overall conduct of the 2026 Sona.
‘There will be no red carpet, no long gowns,’ Garafil said, adding that the guidance shall be indicated in the official invitation.
She, however, encouraged attendees to still come in simple but dignified attire appropriate for the occasion.
Representatives from the House of Representatives, Senate, Office of the President, security agencies, local governments, and other concerned offices attended the coordination meeting to finalize logistical, security, protocol, and operational preparations for the president’s annual address before Congress.
The Senate delegation was led by Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who affirmed the chamber’s readiness to work closely with partner agencies to ensure an orderly and successful event.
Chief of Presidential Protocol Undersecretary Reichel Quinones, representing the Office of the President, thanked the House for hosting the initial coordination meeting and expressed confidence in its preparations for the upcoming Sona.
Marcos’ fifth SONA is scheduled on July 27 at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives.