Colon, 3 August 2025. The National Government, through the Ministry of Culture, officially initiated the project to restore the San Felipe Church of Portobelo, the St. John's Chapel and its immediate environment with an investment of 12.2 million balboasand reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and strengthening of the social fabric.

The official event was held at the San Felipe Church after the Dominican Eucharist, where the Minister of Culture, Maruja Herrera, with the High Commissioner for the project, Ricardo Gago Salinero, He gave details of the initiative to the community, local authorities and the media.

The contract awarded to the Unite Consortium by the Nazarene of Portobelo was formalised with the surrender of the Order of Proceder MC-DS-No.1002-2025, for the conduct of the "Study, design, development of plans and construction of the project of restoration of the San Felipe Church, the St. John's Chapel and its surroundings," with a total amount of B / .12,217,699.99.

"The Church of San Felipe is a cultural and social jewel. To safeguard this heritage is to protect historic memory, rebuild community links and generate sustainable opportunities for future generations. That restoration isn't only about preserving a physical structure but also about enabling the environment from an integral vision: sustainable cultural tourism, heritage education, local employment and international visibility.", expressed Minister Maruja Herrera.

The work responds to a promise from President José Raúl Mulino to the community of Portobelo, and run at a moment of special meaning after the recent registration of Panama's Transitory Colonial Route in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

For its part, the High Commissioner Ricardo Gago Salinero, emphasized that "To be at the forefront of this restoration is to undertake a technical and human commitment with the Portobelo community. We will work with a specialized team and with the participation of the community to preserve every step of their history and faith, respecting authenticity, living practices and profound meaning that these churches and the Christ represent for Panama and the world.".

That project was structured with other strategic actions of the Ministry of Culture, such as the restoration of San Jerónimo and San Fernandoand an update of the management plan for the heritage site and strengthening of cultural and tourist capabilities in the region.

"From the Ministry of Culture, we work with a firm step to make art, history and memory a living axis of local development. We want Portobelo to be a model of participatory and sustainable cultural management.", Minister Herrera concluded.

The event was attended by local and religious authorities and members of the Portobelo community.