Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Re-opening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls

Thank you very much to our DTI Secretary, Secretary Cris Roque, for your kind introduction.

If you may have noticed that since we walked in, Secretary Cris and I have been in deep conversation. We are all terribly excited that this is now become – it is being returned to its former glory.

The Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro and the members of the Cabinet here today; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; and our key partners in CITEM, DCP, DTI, because they made this day possible; the one really who put this together and made sure that it happened and made sure that it turned out that we got this very fine result in terms of the rehabilitation of the CITEM, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. [applause and cheers]

But of course, the inspiration, the creator, the implementor, the enforcer, who started the entire idea of presenting Philippine crafts and products, I don’t want to mention anymore the year [laughter] because mabibisto kami, but of course, I guess the most suitable description is the creator of CITEM, the First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. [applause]

If not for you, Mom, walang ganito. I remember when we opened this, I remember very well and it was much of the focus then was on garments, garments industry when we started this. But of course, it immediately expanded to all the products that we are trying to export and to interest the rest of the world in.

And it was very sad to see that it had deteriorated over the years because of, I guess lack of interest and perhaps maybe a lack of understanding of what this facility was supposed to do. And it is now very innervating to see that it has returned to, as I mentioned, its former glory.

So, thank you to the two First Ladies. [applause]

All our distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good afternoon.

I am extremely happy to join you all as we celebrate the homecoming for Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.

Today, we reopen Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, a world-class space that showcases the best in Philippine craft and artistry.

Formerly known as the PhilTrade Center, this space was conceived and inaugurated in 1979 – Mommy, talaga you are always ahead of your time – under your stewardship, the First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

It was founded on a simple belief: that Filipino design and craftsmanship deserved a place on the world stage.

So today, we proudly carry that vision of yours, Mom, we carry it forward to the year 2026. [applause]

The newly refreshed Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls gives our designers, our artisans, entrepreneurs, gives them a sanctuary to showcase their products.

Under one roof, we bring together our finest furniture and lighting, fashion and textiles, home décor, gifts, food products, and all of sorts of other crafts.

They each occupy a space here because they are particularly and exquisitely Filipino.

The Likhang Filipino halls will serve as a launchpad for our local manufacturers and exporters, giving them access to buyers, to tourists, and in visiting delegations who seek to discover the range of Filipino excellence.

It is also an incubation space that supports product development and packaging services so that our businesses can compete confidently in wider markets.

Through Executive Order No. 75, we have reinstitutionalized this vision to empower the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions to lead the cultivation of Likhang Filipino as our national brand.

Thus, this venue will strengthen and expand its export promotion initiatives to enable greater market access and international exposure for Filipino products.

This comes at an opportune time as we prepare for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026. With the support of Likhang Filipino, we can confidently say that our local products are ready for the region and for the world.

Having visited the UAE, the United Arab Emirates just a few days – just – I just came home yesterday – I will never forget how I feel whenever I am abroad.

That Filipinos do not need to explain the quality of our products before an international audience. Once people see, touch, taste, the craftsmanship speaks for itself.

There is nothing but immense pride that comes from recognizing our own, from seeing materials shaped by Filipino hands, ideas rooted in Filipino culture, and designs that feel both familiar and exceptional.

To our designers, artisans, entrepreneurs, exporters, and partners, come, make this space your own.

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.

Ladies and gentlemen, today I invite you to walk with me to experience our homegrown creations and witness what the Filipino can achieve in this age of Bagong Pilipinas.

Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo! [applause]

Mabuhay ang Likhang Filipino. Mabuhay tayong lahat. [applause]

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