IT’S OFFICIAL! Vigan formally inaugurated as among ‘New7Wonders Cities’ of the world

Calle Crisologo in Vigan showcases the well-preserved architecture of its Spanish colonial homes. Vigan has officially been declared as one of the New 7 City Wonders of the World, May 8, 2015. Photo by Rafael R. Zulueta

MANILA, May 8 (PNA)—Nearly five months after being declared one of the cities among the New7Wonders Cities of the world, the heritage city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur was officially inaugurated in a colorful lights show Thursday night.

The ceremony, which was attended by top officials including Vice President Jejomar Binay and New7Wonders founder-president Bernard Weber, was held at the grounds of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

Aside from the lights show, another highlight during the event was the unveiling of the bronze commemorative plaque presented to Vigan City’s officials.

The plaque was cast in the Kunstgießerei München, a famous foundry in the heart of Munich, Germany, where metal becomes memory using a combination of art and craft that dates back to ancient times.

To recall, Vigan City, famous for the preservation of its Spanish-era architecture was declared among the New7Wonders Cities of the world last December 7, 2014.

Results were announced on its website ending the year-long campaign of the New7Wonders Foundation, an organization looking to promote the beauty of the world as well as respect for cultural diversity.

The foundation cited Vigan for its architecture which “…Echoes the fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe, creating a city that is without equal in Asia.”

It also gave credit to Vigan being “the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.”

New7Wonders Foundation is the same institution that endorsed and promoted the underground river in Puerto Princesa City as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Aside from Vigan, the six other Wonders Cities include Beirut, Lebanon; Doha, Qatar, Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and La Paz, Bolivia.

Vigan is the first of the New7Wonders Cities to be officially inaugurated.

‘Conscious act’
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, who was the guest speaker at the inaugural said that the announcement should serve as an inspiration on how preserving culture and heritage can be harmonized with urban development.

“In our quest to become strong competitors in the ASEAN and global economies, we cannot be too quick to tear down the old to build the new without serious deliberation and debate,” Binay said.

“As Vigan has proven, prosperity is not always measured by a city’s skyline. And it is not just malls that can bring in tourists and trade,” he added.

Binay noted how “preservation is a conscious act” and that people should make an effort in preserving their culture and their environment.

“Dapat tayong makialam, dapat tayong sumali. Countless groups have been organized to help save the earth. Join one or two of them; they are very enlightening, even fun. Save on electricity; help conserve water; plan your car trips— there are various little ways in which everyone, even children, can participate. Let’s do it now. Every single act counts,” he said.

Binay lamented how we can no longer enjoy the original Seven Wonders of the World and noted how conservationists are now racing against time to preserve what remains of the structures.

“Billions of dollars have been spent in cultural preservation and restoration. These costs would not have been incurred if peoples – past and present – had been mindful of their actions, if they had had more respect for their own and other peoples’ cultural legacies and for our own earth,” he added.

Binay also urged the people of Vigan to remain committed to preserving their culture and share their best practices to other local governments.

source:interaksyon