MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed its full support in the inauguration of the new Intramuros Tourist Center located in the historic Walled City in Manila.
This is after First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos unveiled her latest cultural tourism initiative on Sunday, June 9, calling it a “celebration of rich history and a testament to our collective identity.”
In her speech, First Lady Marcos said the center will not only serve as place to house invaluable artifacts, but will serve as a symbol of the resilience of the Filipino people.
“Intramuros, with its storied walls and timeless streets, has always been a symbol of our resilience as a people. This center would add a new chapter to our legacy. It will house invaluable artifacts, tell the stories of our ancestors, and it also gives us a good reason to stroll through these historical photos without having to pretend we are lost tourists,” Marcos said.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos delivered her speech during the launch of the Intramuros Tourist Center on Sunday (June 9) at Intramuros. (Photo and caption courtesy of DOT)
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, who also attended the unveiling, thanked the Office of the President, through the First Lady’s initiative, for its generous support the Intramuros Tourist Center received.
“The Intramuros Tourist Center represents our commitment to preserving and sharing the unique cultural heritage of Manila. Thanks in most part to our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, this project not only honors the past but also provides a dynamic space for our visitors to engage with the history and stories of Intramuros,” said Secretary Frasco.
According to the DOT, the Intramuros Tourist Center is housed in the former site of the San Ignacio Church, one of the original seven churches of Intramuros, and once renowned as among one of the most beautiful churches in Manila because of its Neoclassical architecture. The church was later destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945.
Adjacent to the Center is the Museo de Intramuros which houses the ecclesiastical collection of the Intramuros Administration, may of which were excavated from the ruins of San Ignacio Church, the DOT stated.
“True to our mandate in DOT and as envisioned by our President, the Intramuros Tourist Center is dedicated to enriching the Philippine visitor experience,” Secretary Frasco added, citing the tourist hub’s primary aim to celebrate the vibrant heritage of Manila’s Walled City through a range of services and programs.
The museum also features a remarkable collection of archaeological finds, unearthed from various excavations within Intramuros.
According to the DOT, these artifacts offer tangible connections to the past, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the Walled City’s archaeological significance.
The next HOHO stop
Frasco confirmed that once the Intramuros Tourist Center is open to the public, it will soon be part of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Manila-Cultural Hub, a seamless and contactless travel system with strategic hubs in Metro Manila with the option to avail of guided tours in selected destinations.
According to Frasco, “the Intramuros Tourist Center will soon form part of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Manila-Cultural Hub, offering an exceptional experience for visitors and allowing them to delve deeply into the rich and diverse history of the World Travel Awards Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2022.”
Filipino Brand of Service Excellence on Display
Beyond its role as a museum, the Intramuros Tourist Center will serve as a dynamic information center that will be manned by DOT-trained tour guides, and tourism front liners trained under the signature Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training module.
“Tourists can access essential resources, including guided tour information, details about ongoing events and activities within Intramuros, and services provided by the Intramuros Administration (IA),” according to IA Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla.
The Intramuros Tourist Center will open its doors to the public for free starting on June 12, 2024, Wednesday, in time for the commemoration of the 126th Independence Day and will operate daily from 9am to 6pm, according to the DOT.
