It might also be reopened to the public after the said international event.
After months-long restoration works that cost PHP200 million, the Coconut Palace was formally reopened last Tuesday, August 25, by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The reopening of the said edifice, which was built in 1978 as Tahanang Pilipino and was designed by National Artist Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, coincides with its role in hosting leaders and delegates from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Manila later in the year.
Marcos noted that the Coconut Palace was reworked due to the need for extra spaces for the summit.
“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 told, who also expressed his pride to have guests stay in the said building.
PBBM said the rehabilitation of the Coconut Palace has preserved the iconic structure’s original character, while also improving its facilities to allow 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,” President Marcos said.
He further noted that the structure was originally conceived as a guesthouse for foreign dignitaries and as a showcase of local design, craftsmanship and resources.
Its architecture draws inspiration from the coconut tree and incorporates locally available materials, including capiz shells, solihiya or woven rattan, native wood and textiles.
Thus, in the said the rehabilitation of the landmark, there was a need to preserve its original character and architectural integrity.
For his part, GSIS Acting Executive Vice President Atty. Joseph Phillip Andres said the agency is considering allowing public access to the newly restored property, with the possibility of imposing entrance fees.
However, the said proposal is still subject to the approval of the GSIS Board of Trustees.
GSIS owns the said property located within the reclaimed area that includes the sprawling Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City.
Andres said the Coconut Palace was previously open to the public without an entrance fee, but fees may be charged for private events and specific bookings.
“The vision of GSIS for the Coconut Palace is after the ASEAN to be able to open it to the public so that the public will be able to enjoy the grandeur, the artistry of the excellence of Filipino artistry, ingenuity para ma-enjoy ng public,” Andres said.
