Palace backs Vigan bid in New7Wonders Cities

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines   – Vigan’s bid in the New7Wonders Cities received a big boost recently after Malacañang expressed support for its campaign to be included in the list.

The state-run Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said the Palace has ordered the National Historical Commission and the departments of the interior and local government, tourism and foreign affairs to support Vigan.

Vigan’s success, the PIA said, would boost  not only the city’s economy and tourism industry but also the entire country.

Vigan, known for its well-preserved, centuries-old structures, is the lone nominee from the Philippines.

Called Ciudad Fernandina during the Spanish regime, the city is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site.

Earlier, Malacañang instructed the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to help the city government of Vigan install materials such as tarpaulins along Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares to generate support for the city.

The Department of Transportation and Communications has allowed advocacy materials to be set up in airports and seaports across the country.

Last month, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Loren Legarda issued separate statements urging all Filipinos to support Vigan’s bid.

“If Vigan barely made its presence felt before the initial round of eliminations, this time the city will be all over the place until we get to the (final 7 list),” said Edgar de la Cruz, Vigan tourism officer.

During the preliminary elimination on July 7, Vigan landed in the top 21, along with Bangkok, Barcelona, Beirut, Chicago, Doha, Durban, Havana, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, London, Mendoza, Mexico City, Mumbai, Perth, Quito, Reykjavik, St. Petersburg, Seoul and Shenzhen.

City officials led by Mayor Eva Marie Medina called on all Filipinos here and abroad to continue voting for Vigan in the ongoing global quest for the New7Wonder Cities of the world.

Voting can be done by texting VIGAN to 29290777 or through the website www.new7wonders.com.

The city has to hurdle three qualifying phases for it to be included in the final list.

For the second phase, only 14 cities will be chosen. Voting started on July 7 and lasts until Oct. 7, while voting for the final phase will be from Oct. 7 to Dec.7.

“Let this be a journey where every Filipino shall join hands to bring pride to our country.  Let us go beyond the border of our nation to achieve our goal,” Medina said.