Binay opens VP office to public

MANILA, Philippines - The Coconut Palace in Pasay City, which houses the Office of the Vice President (OVP), is now open to local and foreign tourists, Vice President Jejomar Binay announced yesterday.

Binay said last Thursday, 324 grade school students from the San Lorenzo Christian School in Sta. Rosa, Laguna toured the Coconut Palace while 18 senior citizens from Iloilo were shown around the building the previous day.

“I welcome those who want to visit the palace. The design and decor 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,” he said.

Binay said foreign and local tourists, young and old alike, will see artworks inside the Coconut Palace such as a mural made 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,” Binay said.

The Coconut Palace, constructed from 1978 to 1981, is a brainchild of former first lady Imelda Marcos and was designed by Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa.

It was originally built as a 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 Donna Comia.

Requests for tours have to be made at least one week in advance.