Appeal to Congress: Declare Vigan as Special Tourism Zone

I am proposing to the City Council of Vigan a resolution requesting the new congressman of the first district of Ilocos Sur, Representative Ronald V. Singson to file a bill in Congress declaring Vigan as Special Tourism Zone. The idea was suggested by Vigan Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina.

Congress should consider the following:

* Vigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European architecture and planning.

* Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well preserved example of a European trading town in the East and East Asia.

* The historical and cultural significance of Vigan makes it unique among the other cities of the Philippines.

* The City of Vigan was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 because of its Outstanding Universal Value, thus, making it as the only World Heritage City of the Philippines.

* Vigan has increasingly attracted both local and foreign tourists.

A national law should be passed to specifically promote, preserve and maintain Vigan as a World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination. The foregoing justifies the declaration of Vigan as Special Tourism Zone whereby tax incentives be given to tourists and investors, likewise to tourism-related activities.

The declaration of Vigan as Special Tourism Zone would pave the way for organized tourism activities in the City and the Province.