First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with designer Michael Leyva during a fashion show held in Malacañang complex. (Photo from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — A Palace official on Monday clarified that no public funds were spent during a fashion show at Malacañang that drew angry remarks from an army of online critics.
Several individuals and groups found the fashion show by designer Michael Leyva at the Goldenberg Mansion at the Malacañang complex, lavish.
“The government does not spend anything on the event because it is paid for by the designers and private institutions they partner with,” said Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo Tantoco in a statement to reporters.
According to Tantoco, the series aimed to create a platform for Filipino creatives.
“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,” said Tantoco.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was among the notable guests who had attended the fashion show. Other guests included Senators Nancy Binay, Robin Padilla, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, and Joel Villanueva.
The Palace had already designated the Goldenberg Mansion as an events venue back in May, with other mansions in Malacañang refashioned as museums.