The Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, today holds before the Commission of Education, Culture and Sport of the National Assembly, chaired by MEP Lilia Batista, the report of management for 2024.

The presentation, held at the Carlos "Titi" Alvarado auditorium, highlighted the significant achievements and advances achieved by the Ministry of Culture in promoting cultural diversity, protecting heritage and disseminating arts and culture at national level.

During his intervention, the incumbent of Culture detailed important projects and initiatives, including the ambitious project of the City of Arts, the Center of Art and Culture of Colón as well as the re-entry of the Schools of Fine Arts to MiCultura, the conservation and fiscal benefits dedicated to the historic centre of Colón. In terms of Finance he explained the costs of operation and investment.

Minister Herrera also shared recent findings at the El Caño archaeological site and advances in projects of great historic and cultural relevance such as the rescue of the Portobelo church and the restoration of the Plaza de France.

He also emphasized the continuous work and prestige of Panama's National Ballet and the National Symphony Orchestra, two fundamental pillars of the Panamanian artistic scene.

One important point was the presentation of the program of residences and research at the Centre for Historical, Anthropological and Cultural Research (CIHAC AIP), highlighting its achievements and publications in recognized international scientific journals.

Minister Herrera offered a complete vision of the projects, plans and jobs that are being developed in the different directions that make up MiCultura, covering crucial areas such as Cinema, Folklore, The Arts, Copyright and Crafts, among others.

A number of institutions related to the cultural and educational sector have also submitted their plans and projects to the Commission.

Those institutions included the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT), the State System of Radio and Television (SERTV), the University of Panama, the International Maritime University of Panama, the Autonomous University of Chiriquí, the University of Technology of Panama and the Special University of the Americas.

The presentation by Minister Herrera highlights the commitment to the cultural development of the country and the transparency in the management of its initiatives.

The advances submitted reflect the hard work of public servants and the positive impact of cultural policies on Panamanian society.

The ministers and directors of the Ministry of Culture, including Aaron Schocron, Beatriz Castañeda, Fernando Bolívar, Javier Thomas and Aybeth Cuéllar, supported with their presence the importance of accountability.