Panama, March 20, 2025 - At the time of the 428 years of the Founding of the City of San Felipe de Portobelo, the Ministry of Culture (MitiCultura), through its National Cultural Heritage Section, reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and conservation of the historic legacy of the region and presented the "Project to Enhance Access to the Underwater Heritage of the Caribbean Coast of Panama," as outlined by Enrique Lopez- Hurtado, coordinator of the cultural sector at the UNESCO regional office for Mexico, Central America and Colombia.

Amileth Stanziola, national director of Cultural Heritage, highlighted several initiatives that MiCultura is developing at Colón, including projects with Cartagena and another supported by Saudi Arabia. They seek to strengthen the conservation of cultural heritage and to promote tourism and economic development in the region.

For his part, architect Javier Edwards, coordinator of the area of Intangible Cultural Heritage, outlined progress with the restoration of important historic structures, such as the castle of Santiago de la Gloria and the fort of San Jerónimo and San Fernando. They are part of an integral strategy for the preservation of architecture and its introduction into value for future generations.

The event had the presence of distinguished personalities, including his Excellency Guzmán Palacios, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Panama, Jaime Jovane, Minister of Housing and Territorial Planning, Fernando Méndez, Deputy Minister of Housing, Fran OSorio, Deputy Minister of Territorial Planning and Carlos Chavarría, mayor of Portobelo and directors of MiCultura, special guests and members of the community.

With these actions, the Ministry of Culture reaffirms its commitment to protecting and disseminating the valuable cultural heritage of the Caribbean coast of Panama and promoting its recognition at both national and international level.
[9: 18 p.m., 20 / 3 / 2025] Evilin: Oncological Institute received final equipment to improve patient care

The National Oncological Institute (ION) received a modern anaesthetic machine and a sentinel ganglian detector, essential equipment to improve patient care.

The donation was made possible by the First Lady's Office, which dedicated funds from Giselle's work for the acquisition of the anaesthetic machine, and by the National Charities Lottery, which contributed the seninel ganglian detector.

At the event, held at the meeting room of ION's Medical Management, Dr. Alex González, President of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of art in contributing to medicine and expressed his gratitude for this joint effort. "It's beautiful to see how art can support an institution that faces an illness that challenges us all.

"That's a clear example that, as we work together, we achieve great things for our patients' benefit," she said.

For her part, Minister Herrera emphasized the role of the Ministry of Culture in this initiative and the value of solidarity culture in Panamanian society. "That act of delivering state-of-the-art medical equipment represents the spirit of generosity and commitment that defines our community."
"It's a clear message that we're not alone and that we all have a responsibility to build a more just and humane environment," she said.

The donated equipment is an advanced system anaesthetic machine that manages anesthesia safely and with monitoring during surgeries by mixing and supplying necessary gases with precise proportions.

The sentinel ganglium detector is a tool used in surgical procedures to detect radiation found in the lymph system. It allows to locate small or difficult to detect tumors, reducing the need for invasive interventions and improving patient recovery.

The First Lady of the Republic, Maricel Cohen de Mulino, Minister of Culture María Eugenia Herrera and Director of the National Charities Lottery, Saquina Jaramillo and Julio Javier Santamaria Rubio, General Director of the National Oncological Institute, Alex González, President of the Board of Trustees of the Oncological Institute and ION Medical Professionals and authorities and representatives of the institutions concerned, participated in the event.

The Ministry of Culture continues to conduct actions for social well-being and strengthening public health and to promote initiatives with art and culture as an engine for supporting social challenges.