By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) in Mandurriao, Iloilo is the recipient of the prestigious Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (ASEAN MICE) Venue Award in the Exhibition Venue Category to be presented in Lao PDR in January 2024.
The feat was announced by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas in a Facebook post on December 30.
Treñas congratulated the ICON team and highlighted the award as a testament to the exceptional standards upheld by the 10 ASEAN member countries.
“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional standards set by the 10 ASEAN member countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines,” the mayor said.
He emphasized that by adhering to these high standards, ICON not only strengthened its capacity and competitiveness but also provided a professional and top-notch experience for both event organizers and visitors, positioning itself as a competitive player in the region.
ICON’s History and Design
Designed by Ilonggo architect William Coscolluela, the ICON’s architectural marvel draws inspiration from Iloilo’s dynamic festivals.
Paraw Regatta Festival served as the inspiration for its exterior fins featuring the iconic paraw, a native double outrigger sailboat in the Visayas region also serving as a symbol of the city’s maritime culture, while the glass walls are adorned with abstract designs reminiscent of the Dinagyang Festival.
ICON, a two-storey structure, boasts a total floor area of 11,832 square meters, featuring a main hall on the ground floor with a seating capacity of 3,700 and an additional 500-seat function rooms on the second floor. The rooftop, spanning 1,500 square meters, offers a scenic outdoor space for various functions.
Completed in September 2015 in time for the APEC 2015, the 1.7-hectare facility was donated by Megaworld Corp., with significant funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Senator Franklin Drilon.
The ASEAN MICE Venue Award is not just a recognition of ICON’s current achievements but a testament to its role in promoting Iloilo as a dynamic and competitive destination in the regional MICE industry.
