The PICC Receives Top Tourism Excellence Award for MICE Venue at the Philippine Tourism Awards 2025

L-R: DOT Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso, PICC General Manager Nicolette Ann P. Cruz, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, PICC OIC for Marketing and Events Management Department and Concurrent Assistant Director for Marketing Leonor F. Gertes, and DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica C. Bueno (Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism Facebook Page)

The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) was recently honored with the Tourism Excellence Award for MICE Venue at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA). This recognition, a premier distinction that the PICC will hold until 2027, affirms its position as both a pioneer and the continuing leader in the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the ceremony celebrated visionaries and trailblazers whose outstanding contributions have shaped and advanced Philippine tourism.

The selection for the award was based on five categories: quality of facilities and services, operational performance, contribution to Filipino branding, green practices, and corporate social responsibility.  By demonstrating its proven strengths across these areas, the PICC established itself not only as a commercial MICE venue but also as a prized National Cultural Treasure contributing to nationwide identity and pride.

A defining factor of the PICC at present is its ongoing comprehensive renovation in preparation for two historical, socio-economic, political and cultural landmark events next year. The PICC has been prestigiously chosen to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026, the same year it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. 

National Artist Leandro Locsin’s most iconic architectural work, the PICC has long inspired distinctly Filipino sentiment, awe and stakeholdership. The restoration and at the same time modernization of its facilities and services ensure that it indeed continues to be at the forefront of the MICE industry locally while reinforcing the Philippines’ firm foothold on the global stage. 

In addition to its architectural and cultural significance, the PICC is a longstanding contributor to nation-building and economic growth, hosting hundreds of events annually. These bring an influx of delegates, tourists and patrons that creates a multiplier effect, supporting countless tourism and other industries, business establishments, and micro-enterprises.

As it approaches its golden year, the PICC beautifully weaves heritage with innovation, a testament to its place at the head of the Philippine MICE industry.