Bente Para sa Intramuros
Bentemuros is a project initiated by the Rotary Club of Intramuros for the benefit of our beloved walled city. This project aims to help in the preservation and rehabilitation of the heritage sites found in Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila, Philippines. This project will likewise promote and support tourism in Intramuros by offering a more immersive and safe experience to our foreign and local visitors.
Proceeds will go to the rehabilitation of heritage sites and facilities, lighting, and cleaning equipment.
Bentemuros Q and A
HCP President Joedy Liza Cruel answers all queries regarding the Bentemuros campaign
Q: We all heard it, save the whales, save the seas, save the children, and then save Philippine history and culture? Why should we try to save Philippine history and culture? Is it under threat?
Joedy: In this age of rampant social media and misinformation, it helps that there are actual sites like Intramuros that remind us of what transpired in our culture and history. Besides preserving and maintaining historical sites, the IA also organizes and manages historical tours for the public to ensure that the right historical and cultural information reaches the public.
Right now Intramuros is facing challenges in maintaining its cleanliness and sanitation, safety, and it still needs to develop certain areas of its sites. What most people don’t know is that Intramuros is a work in progress to develop itself back to its old glory. Intramuros has not fully developed from its damages since World War 2.
Q: When did the Bentemuros campaign begin?
Joedy: The idea for the Bentemuros campaign started during our Immediate Past President Dindo Brisueno’s time when I was still club secretary. However, the finalization of the campaign and launch happened on August 26, 2023, during my term at Casa Blanca, Intramuros.
Q: Who is the beneficiary of Bentemuros?
Joedy: The Intramuros Administration has since handled the development and maintenance of Intramuros.
Why do you need to help a government agency? Don’t they have their budget?
Joedy: Even in a perfect world where governments have large funds, socio-civic groups like the Rotary will always be ready to assist the government in any country. When Rotarians do projects for education, environment, cleanliness and sanitation, peace and order, maternal and child health, disease prevention, economic development, and mental health, it doesn’t mean we are replacing the government’s role in that area. We are merely assisting that government agency. Many Rotarians have helped build public schools, health facilities, etc. in many parts of the world, and they eventually turned it over to a local community or the local government in that area. In our case, the donations raised from this campaign will be turned over to the Intramuros Administration.
What are the different ways we can help in the Bentemuros campaign?
Joedy: First is a cash donation. We accept cash donations with a minimum amount of Php20 in our designated coin banks and QR codes located within the area of Intramuros or on the RCI website.
Second donation in kind. We have a list of materials, and equipment needed by the IA to enhance and preserve some historical sites. Corporations can adopt historical sites for beautification and enhancement just message us. We are open to partnerships with any organization.
For partnerships and donations in kind you may contact me at lizacruel12@gmail.com
Third-accept Bentemuros coin banks and posters in your establishment.
Fourth-support Bentemuros-related events.