Spotted: 'Bahag' at SONA highlights pride in cultural identity

MANILA, Philippines - Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat took the country's rich cultural heritage at the center stage of President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Baguilat's ethnic costume included a wanno or g-string, a traditional head dress and sash.

Few days before the SONA, Baguilat said that wearing the traditional costume in one of the most talked about political affairs in the country would emphasize the need to recognize and be proud of the various ethnic groups in the country.

Baguilat is a native of Kiangan, a fourth class municipality in the province of Ifugao. Kiangan is considered a heritage town because it houses the Kiangan Rice Terraces, which is included in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Aside from majestic views, Kiangan also has their own museum where they store some of the oldest and most valued Ifugao artifacts.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat wears the traditional Ifugao ethnic costume for #DuterteSONA. #SONAlive pic.twitter.com/msjvRYjkrX

— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) July 25, 2016