As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares for his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2026, multiple groups are rallying to elevate sectoral concerns and foster public discourse. The lead-up to this significant event is marked by a variety of protests, forums, and cultural gatherings both within the Philippines and internationally.
The day before SONA, on July 26, the Kabataan Partylist – National Capital Region will host a State of the Youth Address 2026 at the IFI National Cathedral Conference Hall in Manila. This event aims to mobilize youth organizations, student councils, and various advocate groups to discuss pressing issues in education, governance, and social justice, emphasizing the pivotal role young leaders play in shaping the nation’s future. The assembly represents a critical moment for youth engagement in national dialogues.
On SONA day, an anticipated crowd of around 10,000 protesters will gather outside the Batasang Pambansa, led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and its coalition of people’s organizations. Beginning at 12 pm along Commonwealth Avenue, the program will culminate in a march at 2 pm to Saint Peter Parish, where attendees will voice their perspectives on the nation's real state of affairs.
In preparation for the protests, Panday Sining UP Diliman is orchestrating a series of banner and effigy-making sessions at the Student Union Building (SUB) in UP Diliman from July 15 to July 25. Meanwhile, the Philippine Medical Students’ Association is actively seeking volunteers to provide medical assistance during the mobilizations, particularly aimed at offering first aid throughout the events.
Forums and Critical Discussions
- Quezon City
The UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) will conduct a forum entitled “SONA ALL! Stocktaking of PBBM’s SONA Promises from 2022-2025” on July 24, from 1 pm to 5 pm, focusing on the commitments made during previous SONAs and assessing their fulfillment. - Online
- Gabriela Youth – Muntinlupa and Kabataan Partylist – Muntinlupa have organized a discussion titled “Flood and Blood: The Cost of Corruption” at 1 pm on July 24, focusing on public accountability amid the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and examining overarching issues related to President Marcos’ SONA.
- The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) will organize a session entitled “ECCP Post-SONA Business and Policy Analysis” on July 28, from 2 pm to 4 pm, providing insights into the President’s policy directions and their implications for businesses.
Local Sectoral Actions
- Quezon City
Indigenous women from 20 communities will converge for the National Indigenous Women Gathering 2026 from July 25 to 29, organized by LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights). This gathering aims to issue a call for accountability and justice regarding resource exploitation and threats faced by women human rights defenders. Participants will join the July 27 mobilization and conduct a community watch party in the afternoon. - LILAK will also spearhead a protest outside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Office on July 27 at 9 am, advocating for accountability related to environmental degradation and poverty exacerbated by poor governance.
- Vandals United is orchestrating a “Streets of the Nation Attack” protest at the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City on July 27 at 9 am, featuring a gathering of skaters, artists, and musicians to highlight social issues such as education and workers’ rights.
- Lapu-Lapu City | The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) Cebu Chapter will showcase an exhibition, “Same Old, Same Old: The State of the Nation,” from July 24 to August 14, exhibiting political posters that critique the socio-political environment.
- Pangasinan | A local environmental initiative, the Pangasinan People’s Strike, is hosting “State of the Pangasinan Environment” on July 25, addressing various ecological concerns affecting the region.
- Manila City | The Youth for Nationalism and Democracy – PUP is organizing a protest titled “Ano ang gusto mong marinig sa SONA 2026?” (What do you want to hear in SONA 2026) to demand transparency and accountability from the government, scheduled for 7 am on July 27 at Mendiola Bridge.
- Nueva Vizcaya | Multiple local organizations, including indigenous groups, church organizations, and environmental advocates, will unite for a People’s SONA on July 27 to protest against mining operations threatening local livelihoods.
Mobilizations Abroad
- British Columbia | The youth organization Sulong University of British Columbia (UBC) is hosting a People’s State of the Nation Address for overseas Filipinos on July 26, from 2 pm to 4 pm, at Metrotown Station in Burnaby, aimed at addressing issues of corruption and human rights violations.
- Berlin | ALPAS Pilipinas will hold its own People’s State of the Nation Address 2026 at the Philippine embassy on July 27 at 6 pm, championing the rights of workers and communities facing exploitation.
- Melbourne | BAYAN Australia, along with other Filipino groups, is organizing a rally titled “People’s SONA Rally: What is the true state of the Filipinos Abroad” on July 26, focusing on the challenges faced by Filipinos overseas.
As the various activities and protests unfold, the public is encouraged to share updates and information on other SONA-related events. Join the Rappler Communities #PhilippinePolitics chatroom to stay engaged with real-time developments.
Participating contributors include Francine Lauron, James Caponpon, and Rae Goco, who are students and volunteers from top universities, reflecting the vibrant involvement of youth in national advocacy.
