Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, assisted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Louise Araneta-Marcos, led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the reopening of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on September 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy of FL Liza Louise Araneta via Instagram)
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, led the reopening of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, following a six-month renovation.
A home for Filipino creativity
In his remarks, Marcos described the PICC as “a home of the Filipino spirit” and called on the public to support Filipino painters, musicians, and performers. The ceremony highlighted the complex not only as a convention venue but also as a space for culture and creativity.
Modern upgrades ahead of ASEAN 2026
The refurbishment introduced upgraded audio-visual systems, energy-efficient lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi across the complex, and enhanced security. A new art program integrates works by Filipino masters, including pieces from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas collection. The renovation was completed in time for the PICC’s 50th anniversary in 2026 and in preparation for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
From Locsin’s vision to a national treasure
The Philippine International Convention Center, designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, was inaugurated in September 1976 to host the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Annual Meeting. Built during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the PICC was part of the administration’s masterplan to establish the Philippines as an international center for diplomacy and culture, becoming the first convention facility of its kind in Asia.
Located within the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City, the PICC sits near Manila Bay and is surrounded by performance halls, museums, and other cultural landmarks. It offers multiple halls and meeting rooms that together can accommodate thousands of participants, making it a venue capable of hosting simultaneous global conferences, trade forums, and cultural showcases.
Renewed stage for art, culture, and diplomacy
PICC milestones: 1976–2025
- 1976 — The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), designed by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, was inaugurated to host the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Annual Meeting. It became the first international convention center in Asia.
- 1980s–1990s — Hosted a series of ASEAN summits, ministerial meetings, and global trade forums; also served as a venue for national cultural showcases and international pageants.
- 2013 — Was officially declared a National Cultural Treasure, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
- 2020–2021 — Served as a government vaccination hub and emergency venue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2025 — Reopened on September 30 after a six-month renovation, unveiling upgraded facilities and a refreshed art program, ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026 and the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
