Pasay city: 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 in Pasay City, 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos described the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls as a 'world-class space' that showcases the best of Philippine craftsmanship, including furniture, lighting, fashion, textiles, home d©cor, gifts, and food products. 'The newly refreshed Likhang Filipino 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.

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.

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.