Cebuanos asked to vote in global wonder city hunt

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is requesting all Filipinos to vote for Cebu in the search for the New7Wonders cities, where it made the “long list” of 77 along with two other Philippines cities.

He said it is the responsibility of every Filipino, especially Cebuanos, to show support and gratitude to Cebu by voting.

“Kung love ninyo ang Cebu vote na mo. You have to do your part sa Cebu in a Christian way and spread the good news. Kay if you do it, it would not make me a wonder man but it would make Cebu a Wonder City,” Rama said.

He said it is but right for Cebu to be in the list because of its awesome people with genuine smiles, Cebuanos value their heritage, and the city is more livable than most of the other cities of the world.

Rama also said that Cebu has lot to offer not only to its constituents but also to those of other nationalities.

“If there is nothing interesting and amazing about Cebu, it will never be a hub and top tourist destination,” the mayor said.

Carlo Dugaduga, Cebu City public information officer (PIO), said that his office would do a tri-media and social media offensive to get votes for Cebu.

“The PIO has a huge responsibility in the information dissemination of this cause,” he said.

Dugaduga said he would also raise the concern with members of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal PIOs, on Friday.

To vote, Cebuanos must log on to www.n7w.com.

City Councilor James Cuenco, committee on tourism chairman, said there is a need to conduct massive information dissemination, including in the upland barangays, for the Cebuanos to really grasp and know the importance of honor.

“How I wish (Cebu City would win) but there are lot of things to work on first, especially improving our facilities, coastal areas, tourist spots and strengthening recreational activities. Now, it’s up to the people to decide what city they would vote,” he said.

The cities of Cebu, Iloilo and Vigan bested more than 1,200 cities from 200 different countries to be part of the 77, which would be trimmed down to 28 and subjected to online voting by Oct. 21.  The final 7 winning cities would be revealed by the end of 2014.

The Swiss-based New7Wonders came up with the list of 77 based on the results of online voting, which began in March 2012.

Cebu, Iloilo, and Vigan would be competing with cities from all over the world like Accra, Ghana; Asuncion, Paraguay; Athens, Greece; Auckland, New Zealand; Baghdad, Iraq; Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei; Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona, Spain; Beirut, Lebanon; Bethlehem, Palestine; Bogota, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cairo, Egypt.

Casablanca, Morocco; Caracas, Venezuela; Cuenca, Ecuador; Chicago, U.S.; Curitiba, Brazil; Cusco, Peru. (FREEMAN)