Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s outfit for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) was worn to honor the Moro tribe of South Central Mindanao, her office said on Monday, July 24.
Vice President Sara Duterte wears a golden Bangala dress during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, 2023. (RTVM/OVP)
In a statement, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) shared that the official once again honored her home region of Mindanao by wearing a traditional Maguindanaon dress—a Bangala paired with a trouser and a flowing inaul or malong.
Videos and photos via livestream and social media showed that Duterte chose a gold-colored Bangala outfit with a mustard-colored headdress.
“Vice President Sara Duterte’s Bangala features gold accessories that symbolize the wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources,” the OVP said.
It described inaul as “a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk.”
“It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundly reflects the pride, bravery, heritage, and history of the people of Maguindanao,” the statement added.
During Marcos’ first SONA last year, Duterte wore a traditional Bagobo Tagabawa dress to also honor the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe in her hometown of Davao City.
According to the OVP, the Vice President’s Bangala outfit was by Cotabato City-based designer Israel Ellah Ungkakay, who has been promoting the culture and tradition of the Moro people of Mindanao.
He was recently recognized for his contribution to the promotion of Mindanao by the Cotabato City LGU.