Loren pushes advocacy through SONA outfit

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda goes for fashion with a cause. Setting extravagance aside and pushing her advocacy forward, the senator graced the SONA red carpet wearing a traditional Mandaya outfit to commemorate the recent inscription of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"My outfit represents two advocacies closest to my heart--environmental protection and heritage preservation,” the senator, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said.

The attire, embroidered with geometric designs, beads, colorful threads, and abaca strips was handcrafted by the Mandayas as a gift. The outfit was finished off with metal jewelry, making it even more eye-catching. With the design, the Mandayas aim to emanate their characteristic that is intelligent and brave.

Photo by RP Ocampo and Jonathan Asuncion

This morning, Pangalapang, a traditional neck ornament of the Cordillerans, was also sported by the Senator, at the Opening of the Second Regular Session of the 16th Congress. The necklace was made of at least six pieces of mother of pearl formed into flat trapezoidal shapes and connected by a thin rope of finely braided rattan.

Sen. @loren_legarda's Ifugao-inspired attire | via @xtinamen #SONA2014 #SONAfashion pic.twitter.com/8QpMUptukU

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 28, 2014