PBBM leads the reopening of PICC

Screengrab via Radio Television Malacañang

Posted on Business World on September 30, 2025

By Samuel P. Medenilla

The newly renovated 50-year-old  Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) is now ready to accommodate the international delegate of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings, which will be hosted by the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos was personally accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos when he led the reopening ceremony last Tuesday of the iconic building designed by the National Artist Leandro V. Locsin.

In his speech during the reopening ceremony, the chief executive recognized how Asia’s first international convention center became the venue of not only many historic events such as the Miss Universe pageant in 1994 and ASEAN Summit in 2017, but also numerous public events such as graduations and oath-taking ceremonies of board passers.

“As we look ahead, we recognize the PICC as a symbol of Filipino resilience and creativity. And that is why, with the PICC’s Golden Anniversary in 2026 and, coincidentally, our hosting of the ASEAN Summit, we reaffirmed our commitment to preserving and modernizing the PICC for many generations yet to come,” Marcos said.

The renovated facility now features state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, energy-efficient lighting, complex-wide high-speed Wi-Fi to enhance security.

It now also features a newly curated art collection, with priceless works from Filipino masters from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Marcos has vowed to preserve the PICC, which he said will continue to serve as “testament to the artistry, ingenuity, and passion of the Filipino people” for the next generation.