MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Tourism (DOT), in joint efforts with the City of Manila, have taken steps to give more Filipinos the opportunity to enjoy the rich historical and cultural heritage of the nation’s capital by giving Manileños free access to its tourism sites.
Once more, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Manila Mayor Fransico “Isko” Moreno Domagoso signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to launch the Educational and Cultural Awareness Program that will ensure free access to sites in Intramuros, Rizal Park and Paco Park.
The agreement will benefit hundreds of thousands of Manila residents, including officials of the 897 barangays, senior citizens and the families enrolled in the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” (4Ps).
“Tourism is about generating an experience. And to let our visitors understand and appreciate this, we ourselves must experience this as well. The people of the City of Manila should be the main advocates and spokespersons of its tourism heritage, culture and history. As it is said, one should not be stranger in his own country,” Secretary Puyat pointed out.
Intramuros Administration (IA) head Atty. Guiller Asido said IA shall ensure free access to the historic areas of Intramuros for the intended beneficiaries of the program, and the City of Manila shall provide logistical assistance.
