President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday night reopened the newly renovated Coconut Palace and underscored Filipino architecture, craftsmanship, and ingenuity.
The reopening of the Coconut Palace in Pasay City is part of the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
Marcos described the structure as a significant example of Filipino architecture, once again ready to welcome Filipinos and guests from around the world.
“And the reason that we had done it was because we needed more extra spaces for the summit, the ASEAN Summit that’s coming in November. And so we needed more spaces and that is why… That is one of the reasons why we put it back together again,” the President said.
“And I would be very, very proud to bring any of our guests here to come and stay and to enjoy their time here in the Philippines,” he added.
He noted that the rehabilitation of the Coconut Palace preserved the iconic structure’s original character while improving its facilities, allowing visitors to appreciate both its history and renewed condition.
“We are very lucky to be the first to see the new, improved, rehabilitated, remodeled Coconut Palace. Well, I shouldn’t say remodeled because it really looks very much like it used to be,” he said.
Built in 1978, the Coconut Palace was originally called Tahanang Pilipino and was designed by Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, who was later named National Artist for Architecture and Allied Arts.
It was originally conceived as a guesthouse for foreign dignitaries and as a showcase of local design, craftsmanship and resources.
It drew inspiration from the coconut tree and incorporates locally available materials, including capiz shells, solihiya or woven rattan, native wood and textiles.
Marcos stressed that the landmark’s rehabilitation was guided by the need to preserve its original character and architectural integrity.
He thanked First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for her support and for closely following the restoration of the cultural landmark.
“I’m very, very grateful to be able to see it again. So, well, the First Lady, of course, has put her shoulder to the wheel as she is meant to do. And we have now the Coconut Palace back to its old glory,” the President added.