IT is official. Vigan City in Ilocos Sur has been named one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World. Also dubbed as urban wonders, these cities are put under the spotlight to initiate cultural heritage among the public, to involve them in the process of preserving all heritage sites across the world.
Completing in the final seven are Beirut, Lebanon; Doha, Qatar; Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Kuala Kumpur, Malaysia; and La Paz, Bolivia. The global recognition was announced on Sunday, Dec. 7, by Bernard Weber, founder and president of the New 7 Wonders.
“We congratulate each of these cities on achieving their New7Wonders status, and we look forward to celebrating their election to the ‘canon of 7’ with their citizens in 2015,” Weber said in a statement following the announcement. The inauguration for the title is set on May next year.
Vigan City Mayor Eva Medina welcomed the city’s feat and led a vigil night to express gratitude for the international accolade. “We made it because we are one in achieving our dreams, she said.
Fireworks lit the sky of Vigan City as officials, employees and residents celebrated the inclusion. “This is inspiring; it is a tribute to a people who has committed to achieve development and make wonderful things in their lives and in their community even radiating beyond boundaries,” Medina added.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) joins the celebration saying that this achievement is “a testament to [Vigan City’s] rich history and cultural heritage and strong economic and tourism potential.”
For his part, Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay said this is a welcome respite as the country is still reeling from the impact of typhoon Ruby. “I have always emphasized the value of “pride of place” in inspiring citizens to work harder for the nation. I hope that this achievement generates meaningful discussions on the role of history and culture and how we can move forward by looking inward,” Binay said in a statement.
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan City draws visitors from around the world for its well-preserved Spanish era houses built during the 18th century, which are unique for their European and Oriental designs and construction. The city has also been a must-see Philippine destination for years because of its cobble stone streets.
With this newest achievement, the Philippine city is heralded as one of the world’s treasured spots. Along with the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World, Vigan City will represent incredible legacies from the past and inspire conservation initiatives with the public. Aside from the tourism boost, being named one of the New 7 Wonders Cities means saving and sustaining historic places in the world to ensure that the public understands the culture they represent and their significance in educating communities today and the future generations.
(AJPress)
