Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 14) — No government funds were used to host the fashion show in Malacañang, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo Tantoco said Monday, a few days after the event received criticisms as Filipino consumers continue to reel from higher prices of goods and fuel.
In a statement on Monday, Tantoco said the fashion show sought “to provide a platform for Filipino artists to show their work in a historical setting relevant to our Cultural Identity.”
The fashion show, dubbed “Isang Pilipinas,” was led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos last August 8 at the Goldenberg Mansion located inside the Malacañang compound.
It featured the designs of Filipino designer Michael Leyva.
The official stressed that the event was financed by “the designers and private institutions they partner with.”
“The output is a collaboration between various creatives in the industry and creates awareness (thereby generating demand) for local fabrics and designs which have always been instrumental in our cultural identity,” Tantoco added.
The fashion show was attended by some known personalities in show business, fashion industry, and politics.
Several Filipinos expressed their disappointment online amid the country’s mounting debt and high inflation facing consumers, with some calling the event “insensitive” to the plight the poor.
Some social media users even feared that public funds may have been used for the fashion show.
Millions of public funds were used for the renovation of Malacanang Guest House (Goldenberg Mansion) so that Mrs. President Liza Marcos can have her own Fashion Show? 🙃 pic.twitter.com/CIc9mcMjX5
— FAKE PRESIDENT (@bongbongmarcosx) August 9, 2023
In a post on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, sociologist Athena Charanne Presto lambasted the fashion show as she noted that social services in the Philippines were “severely underfunded.”
She also pointed out “the happy faces” of some senators present during the event.
Social services in the country are severely underfunded but hey, at least get to have regular parties and fashion shows in Malacañang 🤡 Look at the happy faces of Senators in the background! https://t.co/RXvwZ3dqZy
— Ash Presto 💜 (@sosyolohija) August 11, 2023
