Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — After six months of restoration, the Coconut Palace once again opened its doors celebrating Filipino culture, craftsmanship and the love for the “tree of life”.President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial reopening on Tuesday, August 25 in Pasay City.The structure will serve as one of the official venues for the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in November where world leaders are expected to converge in the country.  The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), which owns the property, said the renovation costs around P200 million, citing repairs on the natural wear and tear of wooden materials and degradation caused by Manila Bay’s salt air.&quot;The Coconut Palace, after six months of conducting massive restoration, is back to, has been restored to its former glory,&quot; GSIS Acting Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Advisory Sector Atty. Joseph Philip Andres told reporters in an exclusive tour hours ahead of its ceremonial relaunching on Tuesday.“As the owner of the property, GSIS deemed it our responsibility to preserve the value not only of this asset but because of this cultural heritage,” he added.Formerly known as Tahanang Pilipino, the Coconut Palace was commissioned in 1978 by then First Lady Imelda Marcos originally envisioned as a venue for hosting distinguished foreign dignitaries and international guests, including Pope John Paul I during his 1981 visit to the Philippines.The project was designed by National Artist for Architecture Francisco &quot;Bobby&quot; Mañosa “conceived as a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and hospitality, highlighting the country&#x27;s rich architectural traditions and local resources.”Renowned for its iconic and innovative use of coconut lumber, shells, roots, fibers, and other indigenous materials, the Coconut Palace was declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2023, recognizing its deep significance to the country&#x27;s heritage.It also served as the official residence of former Vice President Jejomar Binay from 2011-2016. His successor, Leni Robredo opted to rent the less-expensive Quezon City Reception House during her term.In 2016, the monthly rent for Coconut Palace was P500,000.<div>OPENING TO THE PUBLIC</div>Moving forward, Andres said they aim to reopen the Coconut Palace to the public in early 2027 once a property manager is hired to maintain the structure.“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 the Filipino artistry, ingenuity. Para ma-enjoy ng public,” he said.“So what we plan to do moving forward is to hire a property manager. Someone who is really adept at knowing the ins and outs. Kasi iba yung handling nito. This is not a regular asset. This is an important cultural asset. So we will commission someone to work with GSIS who knows the game,” Andres added.

After six months of restoration, the Coconut Palace once again opened its doors celebrating Filipino culture, craftsmanship and the love for the “tree of life”.

After six months of restoration, the Coconut Palace once again opened its doors celebrating Filipino culture, craftsmanship and the love for the “tree of life”.

Coconut Palace relaunched after P200-M restoration, to be opened to public early 2027

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Coconut Palace relaunched after P200-M restoration, to be opened to public early 2027

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 25, 2026 09:52 PM PHT

Read More:

Coconut Palace

GSIS

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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