The Minister of Culture, Maruja Herrera, accompanied the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, during his first work tour at Colón, with important announcements for the preservation of the historic and cultural heritage and for the revitalization of the province.

The tour began at the San Felipe Church of Portobelo, a national historic monument. During his visit, President Mulino announced that, following a promise to the Black Christ, a complete restoration of the enclosure will be undertaken with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Tourism Authority of Panama and the Ministry of Environment. The initiative includes the creation of an outside area dedicated to the activity of the bureros, thus contributing to local economic development.

The event culminated at the Center of Art and Culture at Colón, located at the old establishments of the Abel Bravo College, where President Mulino commended the founders of this space, who will serve as an important centre of living and intellectual training for the residents of Colón. At the event, with the presence of the first lady, ministers of State, directors of local authorities and agencies, an emotional video starring Jorge Isias Campbell, a colonese child who emphasized the transformative potential that the centre will offer to children and youth, bringing them together.

The incumbent of Culture stated that "the Ministry is fully committed to the national government's efforts to reduce structural inequality in the province of Colón." He added that "at this crucial moment, we firmly believe that art and culture can be the vehicle to transform Colón into a model of economic and social development and innovation for our communities."

A high point of his visit was the delivery of a symbolic torch by graduates of the Abel Bravo College to his deputy Minister of Culture, Arianne Benedetti. That torch represents light and hope for thousands of colonians.

The civic square of the Colón Center of Art and Culture was the stage of several artisan experiences and cultural performances, including performances by the Panama Network of Orchestra and Youth Chores, Colón module, the music band of the Abel Bravo College and dance groups of Congos and Fairy.