Installed works of art at the Philippine International Convention Center, as well as the edifice itself, were declared as National Cultural Treasures or NCTs of the Philippines.
The PICC and the artworks, collectively, were put under government protection for their “outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant and important to the country and to the nation.”
Specifically, deemed NCTs were the PICC Complex, National Artist Leandro Locsin’s opus “Anito” in the courtyard and the steel sculpture “Grid” of Arturo Luz at the Plenary Hall.
Also valued were the “Pagdiriwang” painting by National Artist Jose Joya at the Delegation Upper Lobby, and Napoleon Abueva’s carved wooden furniture in the lobbies and hallways.
Said artworks join other NCTs like paintings by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and Juan Luna, as well as architectural marvels like the San Sebastian Church and the Metropolitan Theater.
Sculptures of national hero Jose Rizal, and archeological artifacts have also been named NTCs to name a few.
NCT declarations are in line with Republic Act 10066 or the National Heritage Act of 2009, under which National Cultural Treasure Declarations are authorized.
The treasures are recognized as Cultural Properties of the Philippines.
The declaration arose from the convening of a panel of experts by National Museum Director Jeremey Barns on 27 June 2019 to evaluate cultural properties that were candidates as NCTs and important cultural properties.
Normally, the NCT declarations are made by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and other agencies like the National Museum of the Philippines, National Library of the Philippines, and the National Archives of the Philippines.