Vigan
Los Angeles – Philippine officials, including Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Loren Legarda, joined the City officials of Vigan in calling on the public to vote for Vigan City as one of the New7Wonders Cities of the world.
The heritage city of Vigan is the lone candidate from the Philippines vying for the spot in the New Seven Wonder Cities of the World List. There are a total of 28 cities contending for the seven slots. (Additional information regarding the mechanics for the online voting, as well as a brief profile of the countries nominated, panelist and the organization can be accessed through this link: www.7wonders.com/en/cities.)
“Vigan reflects the Philippines rich culture and history. As Filipinos proud of its own heritage, let us help make Vigan our very own world wonder. This is an opportunity for us to showcase the beauty of our country, and motivate others to protect and preserve their cultural legacy so future generations will be able to appreciate and cherish it,” according to Vice President Binay.
Senator Loren Legarda cited the city’s well-preserved, centuries-old structures that seemed to bring people back in time, yet its prosperity shows how the residents and the local government worked well and made good use of its autonomy.
Vigan Calle Crisologo
Legarda said Vigan is the only UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) world heritage city in the Philippines and was awarded the Best Practice for world heritage site management in November 2012.
“The best practices that the people of Vigan have carried out to preserve history and promote culture while working toward sustainable development should be emulated and recognized. I call on Filipinos to support Vigan City’s bid to be one of the New7Wonders Cities,” she said.
According to the official website of the New7Wonders, the New Wonders – Cities of the World campaign started in 2012 with more than 1,200 nominees from around 220 countries. From the top 77 voted during the qualification phase, the New 7 Wonders Cities Panel of Experts narrowed the selection to the 28 Official Finalist Candidates that was announced in October 2013. The 28 cities will be reduced further to 21 on 07 July 2014. Three more voting phases will follow until the New 7 Wonders Cities will be revealed on 07 December 2014.
The Philippine Consulate General urges the members of the Filipino-American community to vote for Vigan and to encourage their friends to do the same.
To vote, log on to www.new7wonders.com/en/cities and click on the city of your choice.
