NextFin news, MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the reopening of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Pasay City after a five-month renovation. The event marks the PICC’s preparation for its 50th anniversary and the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.
During the ceremony, President Marcos called on Filipinos to support and nurture the country’s artists, emphasizing the importance of creativity in national identity. "As we reopen the doors of the PICC, let us also open ourselves to a greater challenge: to create, to imagine, and to contribute," he said. He highlighted that artistic expression can take many forms, from paintings and music to simple stories shared within families.
The PICC, designed by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, is Asia’s first international convention center and a National Cultural Treasure. Since its construction in 1976, it has hosted numerous historic local and global events. The renovation included repairing marble tiles, repainting ceilings, laser cleaning concrete walls, restoring original furniture, and reviving the courtyard’s pebble wash flooring and ponds. Modern enhancements such as infinity waterfalls, improved landscaping, a 30-speaker audio system, and restored lighting were also added.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos accompanied the President during the reopening. PICC General Manager Nicolette Ann P. Cruz detailed the restoration efforts, noting the balance between preserving the building’s grandeur and ensuring safety.
President Marcos underscored the PICC’s role as a cultural venue that embodies Filipino resilience and creativity. He urged the public to ensure the center remains a testament to Filipino artistry and ingenuity, inspiring future generations. "Let it inspire us to carry forward our heritage, so that decades from now, our children, our grandchildren will still look at this place with pride, saying: This is who we are. This is what we can achieve," he said.
The reopening of the PICC is a significant milestone as the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, positioning the venue as a key site for international diplomacy and cultural exchange.
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