MANILA – A Film heritage building will soon rise in the historic Walled City of Intramuros as an agreement was sealed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for a 22-year agreement with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on Tuesday.
According to the DOT, the building will occupy an 800 sqm lot along Sta. Lucia street in Intramuros, beside the Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus, and TIEZA’s Light and Sound Museum.
It is expected to house a cinematheque, film museum/gallery, film and media library, film storage/vaults, and film scanning and restoration room.
It will also accommodate FDCP offices, lounge areas, board room, a merchandise shop and a café. The said property will be utilized with consent from the Department of Finance (DOF), who is the registered owner of the lot.
In a statement during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that the agreement is an occasion for celebration as this project honors the film heritage of the country.
"I join the FDCP and the TIEZA in this joyful celebration and thanksgiving that a project that honors the film heritage of the Philippines will finally be able to break ground figuratively and literally soon,” Secretary Frasco said.
Frasco added that the partnership with FDCP is included in the Marcos administration’s push for transformative tourism.
“Film has the power to distill these moments, memories, and vestiges of our culture into an art form that can be fully appreciated by our fellow Filipinos and the world. And therefore, it makes sense for us, in the Department of Tourism, to support as much as we can, this thriving industry that really does require government intervention for it to be sustainable for the long term,” she said.
Earlier, FDCP Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tirso Cruz III first shared his project proposition to the DOT as well as other aspirations of his office for the film industry back in August.
Aside from giving the growing film industry a home, Frasco also mentioned that the agreement can also contribute to the portfolio of Philippine tourism and provide employment and livelihood to Filipinos.
“What we envision with this Memorandum of Agreement today is not only the establishment of the film heritage building, but also a close collaboration and convergence between the FDCP, the DOT, as well as the TIEZA in growing the film industry of the Philippines, as well as the destination marketing for the country for films to be filmed in the Philippines. And therefore, we foresee that with our archives in cinema and film in the film industry, having a home, as well as in reaching out to the farthest reaches of the Philippines as far as the development of film tourism, it can only serve to grow the portfolio of Philippine tourism and most importantly, provide employment and livelihood to our fellow Filipinos who will benefit from expanding our film tourism portfolio,” she said.
For his part, TIEZA COO Mark Lapid expressed his appreciation to the Tourism chief, noting that the partnership with the FDCP is a manifestation of the collective commitment of the DOT and TIEZA in preserving the legacy of Philippine cinema.
“This agreement not only signifies our collective commitment to preserving our cinematic legacy, but also amplifies the allure of Intramuros as a prime tourist destination in Manila. It enhances the experience of what this iconic site can offer, making our history and culture even more accessible and engaging. Let this MOA signing serve as a sign of our dedication to nurturing our nation's artistic and cultural architectures. Together, we make a journey that seamlessly integrates our cinematic heritage with heritage sites,” he said.
In his message, FDCP Chair Cruz said the aim of partnership with DOT and TIEZA is to plant the seed of culture and history for a lasting legacy for future generations to come.
“What we are all embarking on as we build the Film Heritage Museum is an aim to plant the seed of culture and history that will blossom and bear fruits for us, not just for our nation, but as the lasting legacy of future generations to come; one that will give all of us a deep sense of pride for cultural and national identity,” Cruz said.
He added that the facilities will serve as a haven for enthusiasts, a source of deep and rich knowledge for students and a treasure trove of Philippine cinema for both citizens and visitors from all around the world.
The ceremonial signing of the MOA was led by Secretary Frasco, TIEZA COO Lapid, and FDCP Chair and CEO Cruz, witnessed by DOT Undersecretary Mae Elaine Bathan, TIEZA Assistant COO Jetro Lozada, and FDCP Executive Director Dan Morales.
The DOT adds that the agreement involving the film heritage building shall be effective until February 25, 2045 but is also subject to renewal of the parties involved.
