PICC, artworks declared as national cultural treasures

The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) complex and its permanently installed works of art were declared as National Cultural Treasure (NCT).

As an NCT, the PICC and these works of art are protected for their "outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant and important to the country and to the nation."

These include the PICC Complex, National Artist Leandro Locsin's magnum opus, together with the concrete sculpture "Anito" in the Courtyard and the steel sculpture "Grid" at the Plenary Hall and Reception Hall Lobby of National Artist Arturo R. Luz; the painting "Pagdiriwang" by National Artist Jose T. Joya at the Delegation Upper Lobby; and the carved-wooden furniture by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva distributed in lobbies and hallways, which have all qualified for the status of National Cultural Treasure.

They join other prestigious NCTs, which include esteemed paintings by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo y Padilla, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, and Juan Luna; architectural marvels like the San Sebastian Church, the Metropolitan Theater; a sculpture by National Hero Jose Rizal, and archeological artefacts to name a few.

This is the main intent of RA 10066 or the National Heritage Act of 2009, under which National Cultural Treasure Declarations is authorized. These treasures are recognized as Cultural Properties of the Philippines.

On June 27, 2019, a panel of experts was convened by the National Museum Director Jeremy R. Barns, to evaluate and decide which of certain cultural properties should be designated as National Cultural Treasures and important Cultural Properties.

—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News