The government of Panama presented the development plan for 10 community centers «Latidos del Barrio» (Neighborhood Heartbeats), which will promote culture, sports, health, education, and civic participation. The initiative was presented to the Cabinet by the First Lady, Maricel Cohen de Mulino, and the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera. During the presentation, it was informed that the First Lady's Office and the Ministry of Culture are advancing in the planning and organization of this program that will benefit over 2 million Panamanians living in forgotten neighborhoods. They will offer spaces designed for artistic training, community gathering, and the revitalization of public areas, with a focus on youth to combat violence, the scourge of drugs, and gangs. «It's a program that walks with the communities, that recognizes the talent that already exists in our neighborhoods and turns it into real opportunities. From this Office, we continue to be on the ground, listening, supporting, and promoting values such as respect, coexistence, and solidarity,» highlighted the First Lady during the Cabinet session, chaired by President José Raúl Mulino. This program is driven for the long term. «It's not just about infrastructure; they are places where the community meets, expresses itself, and strengthens itself,» she added. Among the projects in progress, the cultural centers of the Coastal Strip (El Chorrillo), San Joaquín (Pedregal), and Ciudad Esperanza (Arraiján) were mentioned, with contracts already awarded and about to be activated. The initiative received the backing of the Cabinet, recognizing its potential to generate opportunities, social cohesion, and community development. «It is a program with clear objectives and a defined methodology that understands that culture is not an accessory, it is not a complement, it is a necessity and a strategic tool for human development, social prevention, and community function,» it was emphasized. The Minister of Culture explained that the heart of the program is the community centers conceived as a living and multidisciplinary space. Likewise, the success of the Youth Choirs and Orchestras Network was highlighted, which has grown from serving 1,215 students in 2017 to over 8,800 in 2026, demonstrating the real impact of cultural investment in talent development. In three years, it will develop 4 centers in the metropolitan area and 6 in different provinces of the country, with a projected investment of B/.23.8 million, which is equivalent to a social investment of B/.10.82 per person, ensuring equitable access to culture and creativity. «From each institution we can add and take this impact to more neighborhoods in the country, because when we work together and walk with our communities, we build a more humane, more just Panama with more opportunities for everyone,» she added. Minister Herrera, for her part, highlighted that the program is created to strengthen social aspects in prioritized communities, recover public spaces, and reinforce the effective presence of the state.
