Vigan now one of New 7 World Wonder cities

By Mydz Supnad

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur  –This Heritage City of Vigan was declared Monday one of the New Seven Wonder Cities (N7WC) of the world by Bernard Weber, president of N7WC Foundation.

The announcement earned the cheers from government officials led by Gov. Ryan Singson and Mayor Eva Medina, former governor Chavit Singson residents and tourists who spent a night vigil Dec. 6 in front of the Vigan City hall to wait for the much awaited declaration.

According to Weber, the other cities declared in the N7WC were Beirut, Lebanon; Doha, Qatar; Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Kuala Kumpur, Malaysia; and La Paz, Bolivia.

A day before the selection, former governor Chavit rushed to Vigan to personally see the occasion being a native of Vigan.

The New 7 Wonders Cities Foundation is the same institution that named the underground river in Puerto Princesa City one of New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Fifteen years earlier, Vigan was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in December 1999, making Vigan as city like no  other.

Medina expressed gratitude to people all over the world who supported Vigan’s bid for the  N7WC, saying this was inspiring and a tribute to a people who has committed to achieve development and make wonderful things in their lives.

 Reports said the New7Wonders Cities campaign began in 2011 with more than 1,200 nominees from 220 different countries.

It was later narrowed down to 21 nominees, and later 14 finalists, until the seven cities were declared winners.