Treasure Trove: PICC and its Valuable Artworks Declared as National Cultural Treasure

The richness of the Filipino’s history, heritage, identity, and culture is expressed so well in its art and architecture. These form part of the priceless treasure trove of our national patrimony. All the more, then, should these treasures be formally catalogued, named, recognized and protected — to acknowledge the contexts in which they were born and to singularly preserve them for the generations to come.

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. This panel resolved that 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, have qualified for the status of National Cultural Treasure.

The official public declaration of the PICC Complex and its permanently installed works of art as National Cultural Treasure was conducted on 27 September 2022. The unveiling of the National Cultural Treasure marker and the signing of the certificate of turnover and acceptance were held during the ceremony, which was timed to coincide with the PICC’s anniversary month.

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.” They join other National Cultural Treasures, 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.

Truly, the PICC — the complex with the valuable art pieces within — and its witness to our history and culture over the decades, is, itself, a treasure trove among the rich treasures of the Philippines.