Philippine Film Heritage Building breaks ground, eyes Q4 2024 completion

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism and the Film Development Council of the Philippines on Thursday led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine Film Heritage Building in Intramuros, Manila.

The groundbreaking rites gathered Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, FDCP Chair Tirso Cruz III, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority COO Mark Lapid, Intramuros Administration Administrator Joan Padilla, House Chairman of the Special Committee of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Rep. Christopher Vera Perez de Venecia (Pangasinan, 4th District) and Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo" Nieto at the Walled City’s Baluarte de Santiago.

The soon-to-rise Philippine Film Heritage Building, touted as a cutting-edge facility for Philippine film tourism and culture will occupy the 800 square meter lot along Sta. Lucia Street in Intramuros, beside  “Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus and TIEZA's Light and Sound Museum.

Once erected, said the building will house Cinematheque Centre Manila and the Philippine Film Archive with film museum/gallery, film and media library, film storage/vaults, and film scanning and restoration room. It will also serve as the new headquarters of the FDCP including its offices lounge areas, board room, as well as a merchandise shop and a cafe.

Further, the DOT said that the property will be utilized with consent from the Department of Finance, the registered owner of the lot. 

It is then eyed to draw tourists with Lapid previously saying it “amplifies the allure of Intramuros as a prime tourist destination in Manila.”

The Philippine Film Heritage Building’s construction comes after the DOT and its infrastructure arm TIEZA formally sealed a 22-year tripartite agreement with the FDCP last September 26.

The agencies are anticipating its completion in the last quarter of 2024.

Promoting Philippine cinema, tourism

"Our facilities will serve as a hub for film enthusiasts, a source of deep and rich knowledge for students, and a treasure trove of Philippine cinema for both our fellow citizens and visitors from all around the world,” Cruz said.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, De Venecia expressed excitement over the construction of the state-of-the-art structure.

“We are here today, laying the foundation not just for a building but for a future where our films will continue to inspire, inform, and entertain generations to come. It's a future where our cinematic heritage remains vibrant and relevant, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. This marks a new chapter in the history of Philippine cinema, a chapter brimming with excitement, enthusiasm, and boundless possibilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Frasco once again renewed the administration’s commitment to prioritize film tourism as a way to highlight the Filipino identity. This is also part of the current National Tourism Development Plan.

She said the ceremony marks the government’s commitment to amplify the voice of the creative industry and honor Filipino cinema’s excellence.

“For decades, Philippine films have been a window into the life and times of our nation," Frasco 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," she added.