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Kärcher, Intramuros Administration team up to clean historic Fort Santiago
Kärcher and the Intramuros Administration are working together to clean Fort Santiago, which is a historic site.
Kärcher, the renowned German brand celebrated for its innovative cleaning technology, has formed a meaningful partnership with the Intramuros Administration (IA) to embark on a transformative restorative cleaning initiative at the historic Fort Santiago. This collaboration aims to revitalize the majestic fortress, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations to appreciate.
Kärcher, Intramuros Administration team up to clean historic Fort Santiago
The project aimed at meticulously restoring the grandeur of the reconstructed main gate and the intricate wall façades of Baluartillo de San Miguel and Medio Baluarte de San Francisco. Employing a restorative approach, the initiative sought to rejuvenate these historic structures while preserving their unique architectural details. This undertaking is part of Kärcher’s ambitious 90th anniversary challenge, which invites the celebration of community and heritage through the completion of 90 cleaning projects across public spaces, vibrant streets, local communities, and significant historical sites around the globe in 2025.
“As we celebrate our long-standing passion for technical solutions that make a difference, Kärcher proudly recommits to preserving cultural heritage across the globe. Having the esteemed Intramuros Administration as our partner is instrumental to this initiative’s success, enabling us to honor the memory of war victims and celebrate Filipinos’ heroic sacrifices,” said Darwin Banez, General Manager of Kärcher Philippines.
Fort Santiago serves as a significant representation of the Filipino national identity, embodying the dedication to the quest for freedom pursued by the nation’s ancestors. The IA (Intramuros Administration) initiated a restorative cleaning project aimed at safeguarding and preserving the historical importance of Intramuros for future generations.
The IA deployed a team of specialized personnel to assist in the intricate restorative cleaning project of Fort Santiago, ensuring that they were thoroughly trained by Kärcher experts. These experts provided in-depth instruction on the proper, safe, and efficient use of advanced cleaning equipment tailored for the unique challenges posed by the site. Kärcher leveraged cutting-edge technologies to tackle the specific environmental issues affecting the fortress, particularly concerning the management of organic growth, which posed a risk to the integrity of the historic stone structure.
The cleaning solution employed involved the innovative application of hot water high-pressure cleaners operated in steam mode, carefully calibrated to use pressure levels between 0.5 to 1 bar. The temperature of the steam reached an impressive 95°C, which played a pivotal role in the cleaning process. This high-temperature steam not only facilitated the removal of dirt and grime but also effectively eradicated the seeds of biological growth that had settled in the porous surfaces of the stone, ensuring a thorough cleansing while preserving the fabric of the monument.
Fort Santiago, constructed in 1571 under the direction of the Spanish navigator Miguel López de Legazpi, has historically served as a vital defense fortress within the storied walled city of Manila. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous significant events in Philippine history. Today, it stands not only as a national monument but also as a beacon of the country’s rich cultural heritage, offering local and foreign visitors an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the Philippines’ historical narrative and the enduring legacy of its past.
Fort Santiago is part of the sites managed by the Intramuros Administration (IA), which is dedicated to the systematic restoration and development of Intramuros as a testament to the Hispanic era of Philippine history. As an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the IA is tasked with various responsibilities, including the conservation and development of cultural properties, leasing commercial properties, promoting tourism, and implementing regulatory programs.
PRESERVING HERITAGE. Germany’s Kärcher partners with the Intramuros Administration for the restorative cleaning of Fort Santiago. Attending the ceremonial program (L-R) were host Daphne Oseña-Paez; Dr. David Klebs, Economics Counsellor, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Daina Bartuseviciute, Director of Marketing & Product Management (ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan & Bangladesh) at Kärcher Southeast Asia Ltd.; Atty. Joan M. Padilla, Administrator, Intramuros Administration; German cleaning expert Gerd Heidrich; and Darwin Bañez, General Manager, Kärcher Philippines.
90 years of Kärcher
Founded on January 2, 1935, by the visionary Alfred Kärcher, the company began as a humble tinkerer’s workshop specializing in heating technology in Stuttgart, Germany. Over the decades, it has blossomed into a globally renowned brand celebrated for its cutting-edge cleaning technology. Following Alfred’s untimely passing, his wife, Irene Kärcher, took the helm and passionately drove the company’s international expansion, establishing a legacy that has become synonymous with exceptional quality, groundbreaking innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.
Among Alfred Kärcher’s early triumphs was the pioneering “Kärcher salt bath oven,” designed for hardening light metals, alongside advanced preheating devices for vehicle and aircraft engines. These groundbreaking inventions paved the way for an impressive array of products that were revolutionary for their time, significantly influencing the cleaning equipment market. Today, Kärcher continues to lead the industry with state-of-the-art devices, including fully automatic cleaning robots and advanced cleaning systems that can be effortlessly controlled through user-friendly apps, reflecting its unwavering dedication to innovation and modernization.
Karcher x IA team and VIPs
Kärcher has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past two decades, achieving a turnover increase of more than 340%. During this period, the company’s workforce has also tripled, reflecting its expanding operations. Numerous awards, including the German Sustainability Award, highlight Kärcher’s commitment to sustainability. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has officially recognized that Kärcher’s goals align with the Paris Climate Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Currently, Kärcher employs over 17,000 people across 85 countries and operates 170 companies worldwide, contributing to a cleaner environment with a diverse product portfolio of more than 3,000 cleaning and care devices. In 2024, the company achieved record sales of 3.446 billion euros.
In addition to its commercial success, Kärcher is dedicated to the preservation of historical landmarks and buildings, having completed over 200 restorative cleaning projects globally. The company showcases its expertise in this field by employing innovative cleaning technologies while respecting the historical significance of each site. Notable Philippine locations that have benefited from Kärcher’s restorative cleaning services include St. Andrew’s Cathedral, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, San Agustin Church, People Power Monument, and Rizal Monument.
More information about Kärcher products and solutions is available at the website and official Facebook page.
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Kärcher, Intramuros Administration team up to clean historic Fort Santiago
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