First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos visited the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the Coconut Palace as the country gears up to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Mrs. Marcos underscored the importance of these iconic venues, originally envisioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos to highlight Filipino artistry on the global stage.

“As we gear up for ASEAN 2026, we visited the Philippine International Convention Center [PICC] and the Coconut Palace — some of the venues which will play key roles in the Summits,” the First Lady said.

“These iconic landmarks were envisioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos to showcase Filipino artistry on the world stage.”

“Now, nearly five decades later, these historic venues will again take center stage as we welcome leaders of ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners next year,” she added.

The Philippines was originally set to chair the ASEAN Summit in 2027, coinciding with the regional bloc’s 60th founding anniversary.

However, Myanmar formally declined its turn to lead in 2026, prompting the Philippines to step in.

The last time the Philippines hosted the ASEAN Summit was in 2017, during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Aside from ASEAN preparations, Mrs. Marcos also emphasized progress in trade and investment ties between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

“Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement will surely open doors for greater trade and investments between the Philippines and the UAE,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Marcos also met with the Office of the Bar Confidant of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, acknowledging its crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the legal profession.