Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the significance of film tourism and the construction of the Philippine Film Heritage Building during its Groundbreaking Ceremony at the historic grounds of Baluarte de San Diego of Intramuros, Manila.
Frasco announced the DOT’s prioritization of Film Tourism as a way to highlight a component of the Filipino identity, hence, its inclusion in the National Tourism Development Plan under the Marcos Administration.
According to the tourism chief, the heritage building initiative will preserve Filipino cinematic excellence and cultural identity while using the power of cinema as a strong voice to introduce the nation to the world.
“We have laid the cornerstone for the Marcos administration’s commitment to honor Filipino cinematic excellence.”
“Today, on the hallowed grounds of Intramuros, where the walls have witnessed the glorious history of our nation, we have laid the cornerstone for the Marcos administration’s commitment to honor Filipino cinematic excellence and amplify the voice of the creative industry to continue telling the Filipino story to the world with love. For decades, Philippine films have been a window into the life and times of our nation,” the tourism head said.
“This film heritage building is a product of fruitful partnership and collaboration as well as a hub that promotes tourism, history, and culture and provides employment opportunities for Filipinos in the creative and tourism sectors.”
“This film heritage building is a product of fruitful partnership and collaboration as well as a hub that promotes tourism, history, and culture and provides employment opportunities for Filipinos in the creative and tourism sectors,” she added stressing the importance of the tripartite agreement between DOT, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and the TIEZA – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
Frasco also extended her gratitude to Senator Robin Padilla for his invaluable contribution and dedication to bringing this heritage building project to fruition.
Also present during the event were Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Tirso S. Cruz III, TIEZA – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority COO Mark Lapid, Intramuros Administration (IA) Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla, Pangasinan Representative and Chairman of the Special Committee of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Christopher Vera Perez de Venecia, and Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto.
The construction of the building will officially commence following the signing of the 22-year agreement between the DOT and its infrastructure arm, TIEZA, and the FDCP last September.
Anticipated completion of the Philippine Film Heritage Building is in the last quarter of 2024.
