The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale will perform the Philippine national anthem during President Marcos' penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, Malacañang announced, as the administration prepares for what it described as a simple but dignified program.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing that the PCSO Chorale has been tapped to lead the singing of "Lupang Hinirang," while Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) will direct the program.

Castro said the President wanted this year's SONA to be modest from the outset.

“‘Yan po talaga ang plano, at ‘yan din po ang gusto ng Pangulo (That has always been the plan, and that is also what the President wants),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer said there will be no celebrity directors or major entertainment acts during the annual address.

“Ang gagawin lang natin sa gagawing SONA ay simple lamang po at wala pong celebrity directors or mga big A-listers na magpe-perform (The SONA will be kept simple, and there will be no celebrity directors or major A-list performers),” Castro said.

“Simple lang pero dignified ang gagawin pong pagsasagawa po ng isang national event katulad po ng SONA (It will be simple but dignified, befitting the conduct of a national event such as the SONA),” she added.

Castro noted that while the House of Representatives is hosting the annual address, the Executive branch has aligned with the President's call for a simple ceremony.

PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles described the chorale's participation as a distinct honor for both the ensemble and the agency.

“To be entrusted with singing Lupang Hinirang at the President's State of the Nation Address is a profound honor for the PCSO Chorale and the entire agency,” he said.

“They will sing not only as performers, but also as public servants whose voices reflect our pride in the country and our faith in what Filipinos can achieve together,” he added.

Robles said the chorale's appearance at the SONA follows a series of milestones, including winning the Grand Prix at the Korea International Choir Competition in Songdo, South Korea, in February and performing during activities related to the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in May.

“Their journey, from representing the Philippines on an international stage to performing before ASEAN delegates and now at the SONA, shows what discipline, teamwork and love of country can accomplish,” he said.

Established in 1998, the PCSO Chorale is the official vocal ensemble of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, composed entirely of regular employees, and was revitalized in September 2023 under the leadership of Robles and Choir Conductor Robert Delgado.