Binay, Legarda campaign for Vigan to become ‘New7Wonders’ city

THE HERITAGE VILLAGE in Vigan City remains busy at night as tourists enjoy walking on its cobblestone streets and ride in calesa (horse-drawn carriages) that ply the city famous for its rich culture and Spanish-era mansions. LEONCIO BALBIN JR.

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday urged Filipinos to keep voting for Vigan City to make it one of the ‘New7Wonders’ cities of the world.

“Vigan reflects our country’s rich culture and history. As Filipinos proud of our own heritage, let us help make Vigan our very own world wonder,” Binay said.

Vigan is one of 28 finalists in the search. As the lone nominee from the Philippines, it aims to duplicate the success of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.

“I hope that by gaining the title, Vigan will be able to attract more local and foreign visitors, and inspire appreciation of our heritage,” the Vice President said.

“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,” Binay added.

Legarda said Vigan City deserves to be included in the New7Wonders Cities not only to bring honor to the country but also to set a good example to other cities on how history and culture can stand out amidst modernity.

“The carefully preserved centuries-old structures in the Historic City of Vigan bring people back in time, but the city’s prosperity tells us that the citizens and the government of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have worked well and made good use of its autonomy,” she said in a separate statement.

The senator said Vigan is also the only UNESCO heritage city in the Philippines and was awarded the Best Practice for World Heritage Site Management by UNESCO in November 2012.

“The best practices that the people of Vigan have carried out to preserve history and promote culture while working towards sustainable development should be emulated and recognized. I call on Filipinos to support Vigan City’s bid to be one of the New7Wonders Cities,” said Legarda.

From the top 77 voted during the qualification phase, the New7Wonders Cities Panel of Experts advised on the selection of the 28 Official Finalist Candidates that was announced in October 2013.

The 28 cities will be narrowed further to 21 on July 7, 2014. Three more voting phases will follow until the New7Wonders Cities will be revealed on December 7, 2014.

To vote, log on to www.new7wonders.com/en/cities and click on the city of your choice.

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