Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel's SONA 2024 hand-painted protest barong gives message of 'genuine change'

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel once again wore a protest barong at this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

As in previous years, the attire was designed and hand-painted by artist Albert Raqueno. The barong features a “mural of an alternative future envisioned by Filipino youth painted as a toga hood,” the partylist said on Facebook.

“This symbolizes the hope of the new generation to graduate from the social ills dragging the country to further crisis and even outright war,” Kabataan added.

The middle of the barong showcases a sun and the baybayin letter “ka,” “symbolizing Kabataan as the hope of the nation.”

The backside of the barong shows a fist symbolizing the unity of the youth to fight back against “the primordial danger of war and aggression imposed by U.S. provocations (bald eagle) against its rival China (dragon) amid the disunity of warring factions of the ruling dynasties in the country.”

In an interview with GMA News Online on the SONA red carpet, Rep. Manuel talked more about the barong and its meaning.

“Gusto natin ipakita na nagkakaisa ngayon ‘yung ating mga kabataan para talaga sa soberanya ng bansa, pag-resolve ng education crisis,” he said.

“Kasi nga, ang nangyari lang, nag-away-away ‘yung mga nasa Uniteam tapos ang West Philippine Sea baka maging platform ng digmaan diba,” Manuel added.

“So gusto ng Kabataan talaga ay genuine change dito sa ating bansa,” Manuel said.

In 2023, Manuel wore a barong inspired by the bravery of Philippine hero, Andres Bonifacio. In 2022, he wore a barong with symbols inspired by the youth’s bravery to continue fighting for the country despite the challenges.

President Marcos is set to deliver his third SONA, scheduled for 4 p.m. Politicians and their guests from across the Philippines are now arriving at the event.

Some of the current pressing issues in the country include the rising conflict in the West Philippine Sea against global superpower China, which has prompted Manila to lodge diplomatic protests against Beijing, and officials from both countries to hold a bilateral meeting to manage the ongoing disputes in the region.

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel’s Barong Tagalog features an artwork that highlights the youth’s unity for the country’s sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/HNuuuf0N0e

— Carby Basina (@CarbyGMANews) July 22, 2024

— Nika Roque/CDC, GMA Integrated News