MANILA, Philippines – The P18 million allocated for rebranding heritage site Intramuros was not used because of the 2016 election ban on spending and the lack of an Intramuros Administration (IA) head for the first 9 months of the Duterte presidency.

This was the explanation given by IA Administrator Guiller Asido after the Commission on Audit (COA) report flagging the non-utilization of the funds.

Asido, in an email to Rappler, said that the funds were released to IA from the Department of Tourism (DOT) on January 18, 2016, start of an election year.

“By that time, there was already an election ban and everything was in transition until the new administration,” said Asido on Tuesday, May 22.

After the election ban lapsed, the funds could still not be used because it took President Rodrigo Duterte 9 months to name an IA administrator.

Asido was appointed only on March 23, 2017.

“From June 30, 2016 to March 22, 2017, there was no administrator appointed to implement the program. There was only an OIC (officer-in-charge) and the recently resigned DOT secretary (Wanda Teo) did not convene the Board of Administrators as well,” said Asido.

OICs have limited powers when it comes to green-lighting the spending of certain funds.

Asido gave assurances that the branding campaign is being implemented. The IA began by “reviewing all the materials prepared” for the campaign. 

“We also reengaged the services of the creative people and asked them to finish the work already started,” he said.

Back in October last year, then tourism secretary Teo had already approved the campaign and in December, the IA Board of Administrators convened to approve the new IA logo, Asido added.

The hiring of private companies for the campaign, such as an ad agency, will require a procurement process. He admitted the campaign is delayed, but that, under his watch, the delay is for a good reason. 

“Indeed, the project was delayed but really due to circumstances to ensure that we observe the proper processes. At the moment, the necessary procurement process is being undertaken,” said Asido.

Raising funds for artifacts conservation

Asido also sought to explain the non-ideal storage conditions of 7,554 artifacts also flagged by COA.

The artifacts, supposed to be displayed in a museum for the appreciation of the public, suffered from a lack of trained personnel, lack of conservation materials, and lack of proper storage and exhibit areas.

Asido said the IA is dealing with the issue by raising more funds for the conservation and display of the artifacts.

By appealing with committees on appropriation in Congress, they were able to secure P6 million in funding.

“The program is prepared and ready, and we are just waiting for the actual release of funds,” he said.

The IA has also managed to increase lease rates of properties it is managing, said Asido, ensuring additional funds for conservation.

He reported progress on the construction of the “Museo de Intramuros” which is intended to house the artifacts.

To be located in the San Ignacio Church Complex, the structure of the museum was completed last January and work will begin on its interiors. – Rappler.com