A film heritage building will soon rise in the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Wednesday.

The DOT and its infrastructure arm Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) signed a 22-year agreement with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) allowing the latter to use its Intramuros space to build the structure.

The building will occupy an 800 sqm.-lot along Sta. Lucia Street and will be designed 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, as well as a merchandise shop and a cafe.

The property will be used with consent from the Department of Finance, the registered owner of the lot.

The memorandum of agreement was signed on Sept. 26 by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid and FDCP Chair and Chief Executive Officer Tirso Cruz III.

In her speech, Frasco hoped the project will strengthen efforts to attract filmmakers to film in the Philippines.

“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.

She said this latest collaboration with the FDCP also goes beyond the establishment of the building, but toward the growth of the creative industry in the Philippines.

“[W]e 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,” she added.

Lapid, meanwhile, said the partnership reflects the DOT and TIEZA’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Philippine cinema.

He said the agreement will also amplify “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,” he added.

Cruz thanked both the DOT and TIEZA, saying the ceremonial signing between the agencies is a “collective dedication to safeguard and further the Philippine film heritage.”

He said 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 our fellow citizens and visitors from all around the world.”

The agreement will be effective until Feb. 25, 2045, but subject to renewal of the parties involved, the DOT said. (PNA)