First of two parts
IN a time when our country of more than 7,100 islands is making progress on the road to lasting prosperity and enjoying the benefits of free trade and globalization, as well as the advances in technology, it is very nice to see that, among our provinces, there is one rich in culture, history and opportunities that firmly believes that its colonial heritage serves as the foundation and source of its wealth.
That province is Ilocos Sur, whose vibrant activities, both in the past and present, and God-given resources seem to defy time and the changes it brought. From the time the Spanish conquistadores set foot on it until today, Ilocos Sur remains timeless.
Ilocos Sur is on the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bordered by Ilocos Norte province to the north, Abra province to the northeast, Mountain Province to the east, Benguet province to the southeast, La Union province to the south and the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) to the west. Its measures 2,579.58 square kilometers and occupies about 20.11 percent of the total land area of Region 1 (Ilocos).
Since its inhabitants, especially its leaders, have successfully managed to preserve the province’s natural grandeur and colonial features, it is unsurprising, then, that tourism is one of its biggest generators of revenue.
Worldwide recognition
IT is undeniable that Vigan City is the heart of Ilocos Sur; and Calle Crisologo, which features a long row of Spanish-period houses, is the heart of Vigan. Walking around this city is like traveling back in time.
Many people, especially from overseas, have noted the wondrous qualities that make the provincial capital unique. One of them is Bernard Weber, founder and president of the New 7 Wonders, who announced on July 8 that Vigan is one of 21 official finalists competing for a spot on the list of the New7Wonders Cities of the world.
The other finalists are nothing to scoff at. They are Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona, Spain; Beirut, Lebanon; Chicago, the United States; Doha, Qatar; Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Istanbul, Turkey; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; La Paz, Bolivia; London, the United Kingdom; Mendoza, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Mumbai, India; Perth, Australia; Quito, Ecuador; Reykjavik, Iceland; Saint Petersburg, Russia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shenzhen, China.
Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina of Vigan said that, since the announcement, she has been utilizing every possible way to get Filipinos here and abroad to vote for the city and help it make it to the final list. The voting phase is up to October 7, when the 21 competing cities will be reduced to 14. The New7Wonders Cities will be announced on December 7. (To vote, visit www.n7w.com/en/cities or text VIGAN10 to 29290777.)
Set to go global
OF course, Ilocos Sur is not just about Vigan and its historic streets. Municipalities also contribute greatly to the province’s tourism sector.
“Aside from the two cities—Vigan and Candon—we [also] have the towns of Cabugao and Bantay, which are now also frequented by tourists,” Gov. Ryan Luis Singson of Ilocos Sur said.
Besides the centuries-old structures and the monuments, local and foreign tourists are also raving about Ilocos Sur’s culinary practices, annual festivals, beaches and, last but not least, the hospitality of the Ilokanos, long known for being frugal and practical.
To be concluded next Monday
Image credits: Eleanor A. Leyco