Finally, a permanent place for Filipino artisans

It was really a homecoming—a feel-good moment. 

Finally, we have a permanent exhibition center where some 200 artisans/vendors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can show about 2,000 wares with six galleries under one roof for tourists and importers to see, touch, and taste the best of Filipino craftsmanship.

It’s the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, or simpy Likha, which President Bongbong Marcos inaugurated last Thursday, Jan. 15.

“Finally, this place has been redeemed to its former glory,”said PBBM. “And the one who put this together and made sure it happened, with a very fine result, is the inspiration, the creator, the implementor, the enforcer behind it—the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. If not for her, walang ganito.”

The President said it felt sad to see that the place, established by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the early ’70s as a home to Filipino handicrafts and textile, had deteriorated. Over the years, it lost its original purpose and was eventually used by restaurants catering to POGO clientele.

After PBBM’s SONA in July 2024 and the firm decision to say no to POGOs, those establishments closed, giving the new government the opportunity to transform the space into Likhang Filipino.

First Lady Liza Marcos worked diligently with CITEM which markets our locally made goods, so that vendors pay no rent, only a modest commission on items sold. Most importantly, FLLAM built a thoughtful detail—a small dorm behind Likha’s expo area where artisans, especially from the Visayas and Mindanao, can have a place to stay when they come to Manila.

At last year’s Likha, some vendors from the south shared that the First Lady helped them with their transport and living quarters in Manila.

The President has also signed Executive Order no. 75 to strengthen the country’s export promotions effort.

“Today, we carry Likha forward to 2026 to give Filipinos a sanctuary to show their products—fashion, furniture, lighting, home decor, gifts, and food. It will also serve as an incubation space for product development and packaging services,” added President Bongbong.

Having just returned from a working visit two days before the reopening of Likha, PBBM said, “I can’t describe the feeling of immense pride when I see products shaped by Filipino hands and rooted in Philippine culture.”

All the feelings are there at Likha.