President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to help Filipino designers and entrepreneurs compete globally as he led the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Pasay City.
The revitalized venue, formerly known as the PhilTrade Center, is envisioned as a permanent space for local artisans, exporters, and entrepreneurs to display their finest works—from furniture and lighting to fashion, textiles, home décor, food products, and other crafts.
“To our designers, artisans, entrepreneurs, exporters, and partners, come, make this space your own,” Marcos said.
“I can assure you that this government will support you in your endeavors as you show the world the meaning of Filipino ingenuity through our products,” he added.
The exhibition halls now feature year-round galleries serving as a showroom, marketplace, and incubation hub, designed to highlight Filipino craftsmanship across industries.
Originally inaugurated in 1979 under former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the PhilTrade Center was created to promote Philippine design and artistry.
Marcos credited his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for her role in the rehabilitation and reopening of the facility, while describing his mother as “the inspiration, the creator, the implementor, the enforcer who started the entire idea of presenting Philippine crafts and products.”
The President said he hopes the center will act as a launchpad for local manufacturers and exporters, giving them access to buyers, tourists, and international delegations attending global events hosted in the Philippines.
He added that the venue will also serve as an incubation space for product development and packaging services, enabling businesses to expand into wider markets.
Marcos emphasized that the facility will strengthen export promotion and broaden international exposure for Filipino products, particularly as the country hosts Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits this year.