President Marcos has encouraged Filipino designers and artisans to showcase their creations at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Pasay City.

"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," Marcos said.

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

Marcos made the statement during the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, formerly known as PhilTrade Center, on Thursday, Jan. 15.

According to Marcos, the exhibition halls provide local designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with a sanctuary to showcase their finest products, including furniture and lighting, fashion and textiles, home décor and gifts, food products, and other crafts.

The President expects the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls to serve as a launchpad for local manufacturers and exporters, giving them access to buyers, tourists, and delegations attending Philippine-hosted global events.

At the same time, it will serve as an incubation space that supports product development and packaging services so that businesses can compete in wider markets.

The venue, Marcos noted, will strengthen and expand export promotion initiatives, enabling greater market access and international exposure for Filipino products, which comes at an opportune time as the country prepares for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairship this year.

The venue features several galleries that serve as a year-round showroom, marketplace, and incubator, celebrating Filipino craftsmanship across various industries.

In his speech, the President also expressed it was saddening to see the exhibition hall deteriorate over the years. He credited First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos for her instrumental role in the rehabilitation and reopening of the venue.

"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," he said.

Through Executive Order No. 75, Marcos empowered the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) to lead the cultivation of Likhang Filipino as a national brand by promoting Philippine products and services to the global market.

Marcos said Filipinos do not need to explain the quality of their products before an international audience because 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,” the President stressed.