The Panama Ministry of Culture held its first monthly press conference "MiCultura in March," an event that followed up with a number of meetings throughout the country to promote cultural and artistic initiatives in Panama. At this meeting, a number of actions and projects currently under way were highlighted, including the implementation of the Ibero-American Strategy for Culture and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Ibero-American General Secretariat and the advancement of the National Plan for Cultures, focused on strengthening cultural rights and citizenship.

In terms of Cultural Heritage, monitoring of the training program for local governments at Government and Sustainable Tourism was announced in collaboration with the UNESCO, to be held on March 19 at the Colón Center of Art and Culture. Also, it was announced that the restoration projects at the Castellos of Santiago de la Gloria as well as the fort of San Jerónimo and San Francisco will show advances and other projects will be presented on March 20 at Portobelo as part of the city's foundation.

The March will also be marked by an extensive and folkloric offer with events such as the Artesanal and Folkloric Festival of the Chitre Arena, the National Chorro Cumbia Festival and the International Festival of Patrimonial Dance - Panama Dance 2025, to be held in several provinces up to April 13.

In terms of music, important activities have been put forward by the National Direction of The Arts with an outstanding schedule of the National Symphony Orchestra and the National Network of Orchestra and Youth and Children's Corks of Panama. The international project "Dissonance," to be held in Panama from 19 to 21 March, was announced as a cultural event that will bring together talented women from several countries.

In the area of cinema, the Ministry of Culture announced the Workshop of Cinema Production for Teenagers, which aims to introduce youth to the art of cinema. It also highlighted Panama's participation at the International Film Festival at Málaga, where Panama will be presented as a unique and advantageous film destination. Also, the "Three Ports - Panama Edition" was held to strengthen Ibero-American film projects.

With regard to the Creative Economy, the Ministry will support key events such as MACROFEST, where a market of entrepreneurs will be held and Panamanian creativity will be emphasized and Expand, where the Cultural Development Certificate will be launched to the Creative Economy. That tax certificate will allow investors in the value chain of the creative economy to benefit from fiscal benefits.

The Creative Markets of Panama will also continue their tour throughout the country with a next edition at Pedasi, Los Santos, on March 15.

The Office for Equal Opportunities also submitted the First Guide to Cultural Accessibility, designed to be a reference for the creation of accessible cultural contents in Panama. That tool aims to promote equal access to culture for persons with disabilities, in accordance with national and international standards. The guide promotes the creation of accessible spaces in culture, enabling everyone to enjoy cultural programs.

Some of the outstanding features of the guide include:

• It's the first guiding instrument to create accessible cultural spaces and contents in Panama.
• Based on studies, surveys and national and international standards.
• Easy to handle and available digitally through a link and QR code.
• It includes a checklist of practical accessibility and guidance about the proper use of terms related to disability.

The Cultural Accessibility Guide will be available at all the Ministry of Culture's digital platforms and will have the support of specialized technical personnel to ensure its proper implementation. Stakeholders can contact the Office of Equal Opportunities with contact numbers 501-4050 / 4039 and with the email matching @ MiCultura.gob.pa.

Finally, the Ministry submitted the first form for recruitment of persons with disabilities with artistic talent as part of an effort to promote the inclusion and right to cultural participation of persons with disabilities in different artistic spaces.

With these actions, the Ministry of Culture of Panama reaffirms its commitment to cultural development, strengthening the creative industry and social inclusion.