President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of reopening the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls to strengthen the Philippines’ export promotion efforts by giving Filipino products greater exposure to global markets.

In his speech during the reopening ceremony, Marcos said the refurbished halls would serve as a launchpad for local manufacturers, artisans, and exporters by connecting them with buyers, tourists, and visiting foreign delegations.

He described the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls as a “world-class space” that showcases the best of Philippine craftsmanship – from furniture and lighting to fashion, textiles, home décor, gifts, and food products.

“The newly refreshed Likhang Gilipino Exhibition Halls give our designers, (artisans), and entrepreneurs a sanctuary to present what is uniquely and exquisitely Filipino,” Marcos said, noting that Filipino craftsmanship speaks for itself once seen and experienced by an international audience.

“Under one roof, we bring together our finest furniture and lighting, fashion and textiles, home decor, gifts, food products, and all sorts of other crafts. They each occupy a space here because they are particularly and exquisitely Filipino,” he added.

Originally known as the Philippine Trade Center and inaugurated in 1979, the Likhang Filipino Halls have been envisioned as a platform to promote Philippine crafts and products abroad.

The President welcomed its revival, saying it has returned to its “former glory” after years of deterioration.

He also credited the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos for leading the rehabilitation of the halls.

Marcos stressed that through Executive Order 75 issued in 2024, the Likhang Filipino vision was revitalized, empowering CITEM to cultivate it as the country’s national brand, strengthen export promotion initiatives, and expand market access for Filipino products.

He added that the reopening comes at an opportune time as the Philippines prepares for its 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,” Marcos said.

“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.”

He assured designers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and exporters of the government’s continued support as they showcase Filipino ingenuity under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) agenda.

Spearheaded by CITEM, the export promotion arm of the DTI, Likhang Filipino is reintroduced as a year-round showroom, marketplace, and incubator that celebrate Filipino craftsmanship across industries. (PNA)