By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Every brick, every beam, every hall of this building carries with it nearly five decades of stories.”
After undergoing extensive rehabilitation for several months, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the reopening ceremony of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Tuesday, ahead of the Brutalist facility’s golden anniversary in 2026.
In his speech, President Marcos shared a brief glimpse into the colorful history of the architectural marvel that stood as a silent witness to several domestic and international events—notably the Philippines’ hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in 1994, and the gathering of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in 2017.
Marcos went on to hail PICC’s importance as a symbol of Filipino resilience and creativity, with its renovation reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving and modernizing National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin’s magnum opus for many generations to come.
The President said, “How many parents shed tears of joy as they watched their children receive their diplomas here? How many young professionals stood tall on this stage to swear their oaths, carrying with them both pride and responsibility?”
He added, “How many artists poured their hearts out in music, dance, painting, and performances within these walls, only to find that the audience gave them something greater in return? Appreciation, encouragement, love even.”
History meets modernity
The Chief Executive, moreover, noted the various upgrades made to the complex, such as state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, energy-efficient lighting, high-speed WiFi, and enhanced security, which strike the balance between honoring history while meeting future demands.
A newly curated art collection will also grace the walls of the newly renovated infrastructure, featuring priceless works from Filipino artists.
Marcos went on to express his heartfelt gratitude to the experts across many fields, whose collaborative efforts led to the successful overhaul of the nearly 50-year-old complex that stood witness to countless graduation ceremonies, artistic performances, and wedding events.
The President urged the citizenry, “As we reopen the doors of the PICC, let us also open ourselves to greater challenges—to create, to imagine, and to contribute. Support our artists, our painters, our musicians, our performers—for in their creativity, we will find not only beauty but the very soul of our nation.”
He added, “And beyond appreciation, let us take part in that creation ourselves. It can be a short reflection written in a notebook, a song hummed at the end of a long day, a painting done by a child, or even a simple story shared with family.”
President Marcos concluded his speech by encouraging Filipinos to wholeheartedly embrace the culture and arts that truly embody the soul of the archipelagic Southeast Asian nation.
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