DOT, iAcademy to launch AR version of old Intramuros soon

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MANILA— History junkies can now visualize what Intramuros was back in the day with the upcoming launch of an augmented reality app that will allow users to indulge in a 3D experience of the old walled city.

On Friday, the Department of Tourism and iAcademy, a school that specializes in computing, business, and design, signed a memorandum of agreement to produce films and augmented reality app that can deliver cutting-edge promotional materials to help the country’s tourism efforts.

The pilot destination will be in Manila, specifically in Intramuros, but Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said she is hoping the initiative could expand to other Philippine destinations teeming with heritage, such as Mt. Samat and Corregidor.

“We’re starting in Intramuros but we want to do it in Corregidor and Mt. Samat. But let’s start first in Manila,” she said.

Romulo-Puyat who initially met with iAcademy’s representatives a month ago said she was “amazed” at the potential of AR technology in enhancing the tourists’ traveling experience in the country.

Through this technology, she hopes to attract younger and tech-savvy tourists to take an interest in the history and heritage of Intramuros.

“We want more of the young people to go to Intramuros, so with this technology they can go around and see how it was before so it is interactive,” Romulo-Puyat said. “It is a new way to attract more people as it’s not only educational but fun.”