Metro Manila, Philippines — World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024 gold medalist Blessie Mae Alipopo Abagat will sing the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ at the Batasang Bansa for the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the choice of Abagat is a “celebration of her recent achievements on the global stage.”
Abagat represented the country at WCOPA in the United States and won a number of awards.
“These victories have brought pride to the nation and emphasized her exceptional talent,” the PCO said.
It said Abagat is from Bicol, and her story reflects the “cultural pride and nurturing of the history of Bicol, which has been instrumental in shaping her as an artist.”
Last year, classical opera singer Lara Maigue performed the national anthem at the SONA.
The chorale group from the president’s hometown in Ilocos Norte, Samiweng Singers, sang the national anthem in the 2022 SONA. – TN
