Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday inspected the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City as part of preparations for the Philippines' hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits. Marcos checked the PICC facilities to ensure the country's readiness to host this year's ASEAN summit, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the significance of the inspection, marking it as a pivotal step in the government's comprehensive preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Summit. "Abala si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ngayong araw sa pagdalo sa mahalagang kaganapan na magsisilbing gabay sa mga paghahanda ng pamahalaan sa ASEAN Summit (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is busy today attending an important event that will serve as a guide for the government's preparations for the ASEAN Summit)," Castro stated.

The PICC, renowned as a National Cultural Treasure, is Asia's first international convention center and has been a venue for historic global and local events since its inauguration in 1976. The building has recently undergone an extensive complex-wide renovation, preparing it to serve as the main venue for the Philippines' hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November.

In September 2025, President Marcos officially reopened the PICC, showcasing the new state-of-the-art technologies and upgrades. Additionally, on August 25, Marcos also led the reopening of the historic Coconut Palace, earmarked as one of the venues for the regional summit.