Officials from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Intramuros Administration (IA) came together on Friday, April 28, to formalize their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration aims to promote the cultural significance of Intramuros, the historic walled city in Manila.
The signing ceremony saw Director-General Ramon Lee Cualoping III representing PIA, while Atty. Joan M. Padilla represented the Intramuros Administration.
During the ceremony, Atty. Padilla emphasized the crucial role of the media in any promotional campaign and advocacy. She acknowledged that the media has become an indispensable instrument in our daily lives, providing a platform to express thoughts and showcase interests, particularly in promoting and generating enthusiasm for potential tourist attractions like Intramuros. She expressed her excitement about the partnership between IA and PIA, highlighting the significant role that the media plays.
Director-General Cualoping, on his part, stressed the importance of promoting Intramuros both on-ground and online through engaging and inspiring storytelling that can be shared across the country. He emphasized the need for people from various regions in the Philippines, including Mindanao, Visayas, and the farthest areas of Luzon, to be aware of Intramuros and to reignite their connection with this historical gem.
The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Darell Winthrop Torres, Head of PIA’s Program Management Division, Emver P. Cortez, PIA-NCR Regional Head, Vanessa Rodriguez, IA Head Executive Assistant, and Sandra Martinez, IA Tourism Promotion Division Chief.
Under the MOU, PIA will be responsible for planning, developing, and creating communication strategies and publicity campaigns to raise awareness of IA’s various promotional activities and programs. They will also cross-post on IA’s social media platforms, develop Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, and provide event support.
On the other hand, IA will invite PIA to cover their promotional activities and programs, provide necessary information and updates, and grant complementary and exclusive access to a venue within Intramuros.
IA is a National Government Agency under the Department of Tourism of the Philippines. It was established through Presidential Decree No. 1616 and is tasked with the orderly restoration and development of Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history.
