January 28, 2015

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 072-15

RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR FOR BEING NAMED ONE OF THE NEW7WONDERS CITIES AND COMMENDING THE CITY FOR BEING A MODEL FOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION

WHEREAS, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution states that, "The State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations";

WHEREAS, in 1999, the City of Vigan was inscribed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site because of its cultural and historical significance, specifically for showcasing the integration of Asian building design and European colonial architecture;

WHEREAS, a three-hectare "heritage park" of indigenous architecture showcasing the landmarks and arts and crafts found among the provinces of the old Ylokos province — the Ilocos provinces, La Union, Abra and parts of Mountain Province, is also being planned by the local government of Vigan;

WHEREAS, in 2012, the City of Vigan was awarded by UNESCO as "Best Practice in Sustainable Conservation and Management of World Heritage Properties", a recognition that presented the City of Vigan as a model for heritage site management in the recent meeting of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly held last November 2014 in Florence, Italy;

WHEREAS, on 10 October 2013, the New7Wonders Foundation, a private organization based in Zurich, Switzerland and dedicated towards the "protection of the world's human-built and natural heritage and the promotion of respect for the planet's diversity", announced the inclusion of the historic City of Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur in the long list of its New7Wonders Cities campaign; cACDaH

WHEREAS, the criteria for the selection of the New7Wonder Cities of the World include the city's "current strengths and/or potential for sustainable growth, in terms of cultural, environmental, economic and tourism potential";

WHEREAS, on December 8, 2014, the City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur was named as one of the New7Wonders Cities of the New7Wonders Foundation, along with Beirut, Lebanon; Doha, Qatar; Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and La Paz, Bolivia;

WHEREAS, this award recognizes the long-standing efforts and utmost dedication of the local government and residents of the Historic City of Vigan in conserving and preserving its heritage as a World Heritage Site;

WHEREAS, this recognition highlights the important role played by local government units in safeguarding the historical and intangible heritage of World Heritage sites like the City of Vigan and of other key heritage zones found in the country;

WHEREAS, cognizant of the perseverance of the local government of Vigan and its residents to preserve history and culture while working towards sustainable development, it is but fitting that the local government of Vigan and its residents be recognized and commended: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it is hereby resolved by the Philippine Senate, To commend the City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur for being named as one of the New7Wonders Cities and congratulate the City for being a model for heritage conservation and utilization.

Adopted,

 

(SGD.) FRANKLIN M. DRILONPresident of the Senate

 

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2015.

 

(SGD.) OSCAR G. YABESSecretary of the Senate