The second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. will incorporate a Filipiniana cultural theme.
In an interview with the media, House Secretary Reginald Velasco said they have prescribed the guests to follow the "Filipinana" dress code.
"Siguro 'yung diplomatic corps as you know, tradition, they [can] wear business suit and tie. Pero sa mga members of Congress, we expect all of them to wear Barong Tagalog or native," he said.
"So ‘yun, Filipiniana ‘yung theme natin, motif,” Velasco added.
The House Secretary-General noted that lawmakers and other guests hailing from other areas are free to wear their cultural outfits.
According to Velasco, the food that will be served to the guests is "Pinoy meriendas". Among the local food delicacy to be served are bibingka and puto bumbong.
Meanwhile, in an interview on Thursday, Velasco said the lockdown in the House of Representatives has started.
"Lockdown tayo pero business as usual pa rin ang mga staff. Ako, I'll still be here for last-minute adjustments or work we have to do," he told the media.
The House Secretary General said the lockdown will also give way for security personnel to practice their precautionary measures not only inside the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City but within the vicinity of the building.
Two thousand guests have been invited and are expected to attend the SONA.
Former Presidents Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have already confirmed their attendance.
