LAOAG CITY, July 25 (PIA) – A multi-awarded choral group in Ilocos Norte expressed excitement and pride as they are chosen to sing the Philippine National Anthem during the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on July 25, Monday.
 
The Samiweng Singers of the Ilocos Norte National High School in Laoag City is honored to showcase the talents and abilities of Ilokano artists in the national scene.

“Nakaka-proud na finally Ilokano artists will perform on national television sa first SONA. We are happy and excited,” said Sherween Cabrales, assistant conductor of the Samiweng Singers.
 
Samiweng is derived from two Ilokano words “sam-it” meaning “sweet” and “aweng” which means “sound”.
 
The group competed and won in the first Vietnam International Choir Competition and Festival in 2011 and at the 7th World Choir Games held in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2012.
 
In recognition of their achievements in the field of music, the Samiweng Singers has also received the Ani ng Dangal for Music by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2012 and 2013.

Meanwhile, the 84th SONA will be delivered by President Marcos Jr. wherein he will tackle his administration’s key policies, programs, and priorities.
 
Moreover, he is expected to discuss his priority bills, clear roadmap for pandemic and economic response, and agriculture programs being the country’s agriculture secretary.
 
The SONA will start at around 4:00 p.m. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)