The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Philippine Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka has been conferred the Silver Award for Exhibition Design by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organization that oversees and regulates World Expos.

The award, which honors self-built pavilions with plots under 1,500 square meters that demonstrate exceptional exhibit design and storytelling, caps a milestone run for the Philippines at the Expo 2025 Osaka. The recognition comes amid broad international participation, with pavilions mounted by 158 countries and regions.

“ This recognition affirms that when we lead with authenticity and pride, the world sees the goodness and strength of who we are as a people,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.

The Philippine Organizing Committee led by the DOT as Commissioner General and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines as Secretary General commissioned a design and experience team to implement the Philippine Pavilion which has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors since its opening in April.

“This Silver Award is a triumph not only of design but of devotion. It honors the dedication of our people to their craft, their culture, and their country. From the hands of our weavers and artisans to the vision of our architects and curators, the Philippine Pavilion reflects the character of our nation, the hard work, persistence, and faith of a people who continue to fight for their culture and proudly share it with the world. We thank the Bureau International des Expositions for this honor and dedicate it to every Filipino whose story and spirit live within the Pavilion, and in our destinations and communities all over the Philippines,'' she said.

The Pavilion distinguished itself with a first-of-its-kind live performance facade featuring hundreds of woven panels created by weaving communities from all 18 regions, alongside large-scale woven scrims inside.

Visitors engaged with AI-powered and generative installations such as Dancing with Nature, interactive AI photobooths, a curated Habi Shop, Hilot wellness corner, and Hain take-out counter?a multisensory journey where heritage and innovation meet.

Throughout the Expo, the Pavilion served as a hub for cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and trade networking?from Philippine National Day festivities to MICE roadshows and investor meetings?advancing cross-sector partnerships and strengthening ties with Japanese prefectures, travel agencies, media, and cultural institutions.

In line with sustainability and cultural continuity, key pavilion elements will return to the Philippines for display at the National Museum of the Philippines and select regional sites?extending the Pavilion’s life as a platform for learning, cultural continuity, and national pride. DoT Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy