The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) has lined up major enhancements of its facilities for several upcoming landmark events in 2026 – its 50th anniversary and hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
“With its status as a National Cultural Treasure… we want to make PICC the best it can be without erasing but enhancing its rich heritage and place in our political, economic and cultural setting,” PICC’s new general manager, Nicolette Ann Cruz, told TTGmice.
To ensure a polished appearance for the ASEAN Summit, some architectural and engineering enhancements will be completed beforehand, while others will be deferred until after the event. These improvements will begin mid-year, alongside ongoing renovations.
Leandro Locsin Jr., son of the late National Artist Leandro Locsin – who designed the PICC and four other buildings within the CCP Complex – has been awarded the contract for the architectural and engineering enhancements. The National Historical Commission must approve the plans to ensure the PICC’s iconic brutalist architecture and integral elements will not be compromised.
A conservation, protection, and management plan for the cache of priceless artworks, jointly owned by the PICC and the Central Bank of the Philippines, is currently under review.
In light of the evolving needs of business events clients, Cruz indicated that efforts are underway to enhance the PICC’s IT infrastructure. These efforts include upgrades to Wi-Fi and audiovisual systems, and the procurement of additional television equipment during the course of this year.
PICC, Asia’s oldest convention centre, aims to surpass the revenue generated from the 618 events hosted in 2024 by a minimum of 10 per cent. The venue’s target for 2025 is to host between 660 and 670 events.
Cruz acknowledged that this target will be “challenging”, given the extensive renovations planned. Balancing construction with daily operations and events will be difficult, Cruz pointed out, but she remains “confident” that the technical services department will be able to manage it.
