The Coconut Palace, which houses the Office of the Vice President (OVP), is now open for tours.
“I welcome those who want to visit the palace. The design and décor of the building reflect the rich history and culture of the Filipinos. I would like to share these with the public so they may learn and better appreciate our heritage,” said Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.
On Thursday, 324 grade school students from the San Lorenzo Christian School in Sta. Rosa, Laguna toured the palace while 18 senior citizens from Iloilo were shown around the building the previous day.
Artworks inside the palace include a mural by Araceli Dans and bed posts designed by national artist Napoleon Abueva.
What makes the structure unique is the creative use of coconut and its various by-products for its construction.
The palace, constructed over a 14-month period from 1978 to 1981, is the brainchild of former First Lady Imelda Marcos and was designed by Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa.
It was originally built as guest house of former President Ferdinand Marcos and now serves as the principal workplace of Binay and future vice presidents of the Philippines.
For tour reservations, interested parties may contact the OVP at 832-6791 local 119 and look for Ms. Donna Comia. Requests for tours have to be made at least one week in advance.
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