DOST-NCR, CIIT Spearheads Tech-Driven Cultural Tourism in Intramuros
Within the centuries-old walls of Intramuros, where Philippine history lives through the cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture, a new era driven by innovation is being written. On June 11, 2025, the historic Centro de Turismo served as the venue for the ceremonial signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Science and Technology–National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), the Intramuros Administration (IA), and CIIT College of Arts and Technology. This milestone marks a deepening of the ongoing partnership between DOST-NCR and the IA, first formalized in 2023, to integrate science, technology, and innovation into the revitalization of Intramuros—uniting heritage conservation with digital transformation.
The MOA formalizes the collaborative development of the Intramuros Mobile App, a smart tourism platform co-created with CIIT that offers immersive historical narratives, real-time tour and transport tools, event updates, and digital government services. This latest initiative builds on earlier joint projects that exemplify how innovation can advance both cultural and environmental sustainability.
The Intramuros Mobile App is not just a digital map—it is a gateway to an immersive historical journey. It enriches every visit through features that combine convenience with cultural depth. Users can explore rich historical narratives, navigate tourist routes with ease, book tours and services, access transportation tools, and stay updated on events within the district.
As DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. noted in his keynote address during the event, “This (app) isn’t just a tool—it’s a clear example of how we can use science, technology, and innovation to honor the past, serve the present, and shape the future.”
Prior to the development of the app, DOST-NCR introduced other technological interventions in the famed park and in the communities within Intramuros. Among the interventions is the Bioreactor Composting Technology to support the “Cleantramuros” initiative, and the development of an all-electric, 18-seater tram using abaca-fiber composites—both designed to promote eco-friendly tourism and efficient urban management. Additionally, DOST-NCR has supported community empowerment in the district through food safety training for 128 vendors in 2024 and is proposing a Halal certification project for 2026–2027 to broaden Intramuros’ culinary offerings
These technology-driven interventions demonstrate how DOST-NCR is promoting Science Beyond Borders, in this case using innovative technologies to preserve heritage while enhancing public service. By bridging historical richness with modern digital capabilities, the agency continues to support inclusive, future-oriented solutions that benefit both people and places. The Intramuros Mobile App is more than a technological tool—it is a symbol of how innovation can bring history to life and help shape a more connected and culturally aware society. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared vision to protect the past, enrich the present, and shape a future-ready heritage city through science and innovation.
By Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU
