MANILA - The government-run Cultural Center of the Philippines held a special "gala tribute" for former first lady Imelda Marcos on Friday, despite angry protests that she should not be honored.

Marcos, widow of deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos, arrived for the opening of the gala in a maroon gown with ruby jewelry but she left soon afterwards for a family gathering.

But while she was there, she expressed gratitude to the organizers for holding the evening gala that was intended to pay tribute to her for founding the center in 1969.

As well as this week marking 40 years since the center's opening, the gala coincides with Friday being her late husband's 92nd birthday.

About a dozen activists picketed the event, saying it is intended to whitewash the image of the Marcos family and government funds should not be used to honor them.

The protesters waved placards saying "Justice for the victims of the Marcos conjugal dictatorship" but failed to disrupt the proceedings. Imelda Marcos entered the center through a side entrance, missing the protest.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said Imelda Marcos, 80, was part of a "conjugal dictatorship that had robbed the Filipino people of their democratic rights and stands accused of plundering billions from the public treasury".

In a statement, it compared Ferdinand Marcos to Germany's Adolf Hitler, saying he was also "a known patron of the arts, but we don't see the German government holding a gala night for him".

However Cultural Center trustee Nestor Jardin defended the tribute, entitled "Seven Arts, One Imelda".

"This event should not be looked upon politically. This is purely a tribute to a founding chairman who built the CCP and as part of our culture, we have to look back and thank people who deserve to be thanked," Jardin told AFP.

"She may have been part of the dictatorship but, as a founding chairman of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, she allowed many artists to have the opportunity to train and be exposed.

"We cannot ignore Mrs Marcos. It will not be right to do so."

Then-president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and ruled the country as a virtual dictator with his wife serving as a chief aide, carrying out many extravagant projects.

But in 1986, a popular revolt toppled Marcos from power and sent him and his wife fleeing into exile in Hawaii.

Marcos died in 1989 and his family has since been allowed to return.

However they remain hounded by accusations that they stole billions from state coffers and were guilty of widespread human rights abuses.