Fashion-forward women lawmakers are expected to wear the “Araw” brooch designed by a young accessory brand that works with various Gawad Kalinga communities during today's penultimate State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The half-sun brooch was created by the Philippine Fashion Coalition, an umbrella organization of fashion professionals, including Amina Aranaz-Alunan, president of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, and Rajo Laurel, one of the country's top fashion designers.
Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, president of the Congressional Spouses Foundation , Inc., said the brooch, which comes in two colors—cream and blu—signifies unity and hope.
“In the midst of this pandemic, the sun will also rise. All we need is for the government and the private sector to cooperate with each other,” she said.
“This year’s SONA is truly historical. The backdrop is a global pandemic. Many are suffering from economic hardship. Businesses are closing, industries are dying. Let’s use every opportunity including the SONA to join hands and support each other,” Cayetano added.
Deputy Speaker Baby Arenas, president of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc., said female legislators are hoping to make this year’s SONA “memorable and relevant by the simple gesture of wearing the Araw brooch.”
“I hope that the women legislators are inspired to continue working for the nation’s swift recovery and our kababayans are reminded not to lose hope and continue praying for our nation,” she said.