Today, we celebrate the Cityhood of Vigan. Technically speaking, we are celebrating the 7th year anniversary of Vigan as a City from the time of the ratification of Republic Act 8988 in January 22, 2001. Historically, we have started celebrating the 250 years of Ciudad Fernandina from the time the seat of Nueva Segovia was transferred from Lallo, Cagayan to Vigan way back September 7, 1758 by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree issued by King Fernando VI. Indeed it is a celebration of civilization.
We will also be launching the Amended Vigan Revenue Code. Do not be alarmed because the rates were merely updated from the outmoded to the reasonable. The outputs of the cultural mapping project are also on display and we will also be witnessing the launching of the Gawad Kalinga Housing Project.
The City's Vision is to make Vigan a globally competitive World Heritage City. Along this line, we do not merely celebrate our fiesta but we give meaning and substance to every form of celebration. We want the people of Vigan and our visitors to really appreciate Vigan's legacy of the past, not only physically but more specially historically and culturally.
Tradition and Transition is a story of Vigan's Rise, Vigan's Turning point, and Vigan's Re-birth. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this celebration.
(Welcome remarks delivered by Vice Mayor Franz Ranches on the occasion of the opening of the Tradition and Transition Exhibition at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center)
3 comments:
Dear Mr. Ranches,
Greetings
Are you rewriting of Vigan history through omission? You forgot to mention that it was then President Joseph Estrada who signed R.A 8988 (Vigan Cityhood Bill) into law on December 28, 2000 or less than a month before he was ousted from power through mob rule a.k.a. Edsa Dos coup de tat. Thank you very much. Have a nice day.
Marco
Reference: Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan: The re-birth of a noble city
http://www.tawidnewsmag.com/content/view/703/69/
Dear Marco,
Thank you for your comments!
I'm not rewriting history through omission. It so happened that my speech was focused on the 250 years of Ciudad Fernandina and Nueva Segovia.That's the reason why I have to mention the Spanish Royal decree signed by King Fernando VI which elevated the status of Vigan to that of a city.
It is common knowledge that Former President Estrada signed into law R.A. 8988. Unlike the Royal decree which was a unilateral act on the part of the Spanish King, R.A. 8988was a product of collective effort. It was sponsored in the house by Former Congressman Salacnib Baterina, Former Majority Floor leader now Senator Mar Roxas and Former Congressman Ome Candazo among others. The senate version was sponsored by former Senator Serge Osmeña and senator Aquilino Pimentel among others. Although it was sigend into law by former President Erap, it has to be ratified by the majority of Bigueños in a plebiscite called for such purpose in order to become effective. Thus, the people of Vigan have a participation in re-gaining Vigan's status as a city.
If you observe the title of RA 8988, it speaks of An Act Validating the status of Vigan as a City by virtue of a Spanish Royal decree elevating the status of Vigan as city signed by King Fernando VI of Spain.It is very clear that the source of cityhood was the Spanish Royal decree.
The signing into law of a bill presented to the President becomes ministerial when there are no grounds to deny it. In fact inaction on the part of the President for a period of 30 days makes the bill deemed approved by operation of law.
Anyway, my appreciation for the former president for signing into law RA 8988 is hereby given.
Dear Marco,
Thank you for your comments!
I'm not rewriting history through omission. It so happened that my speech was focused on the 250 years of Ciudad Fernandina and Nueva Segovia.That's the reason why I have to mention the Spanish Royal decree signed by King Fernando VI which elevated the status of Vigan to that of a city.
It is common knowledge that Former President Estrada signed into law R.A. 8988. Unlike the Royal decree which was a unilateral act on the part of the Spanish King, R.A. 8988was a product of collective effort. It was sponsored in the house by Former Congressman Salacnib Baterina, Former Majority Floor leader now Senator Mar Roxas and Former Congressman Ome Candazo among others. The senate version was sponsored by former Senator Serge Osmeña and senator Aquilino Pimentel among others. Although it was sigend into law by former President Erap, it has to be ratified by the majority of Bigueños in a plebiscite called for such purpose in order to become effective. Thus, the people of Vigan have a participation in re-gaining Vigan's status as a city.
If you observe the title of RA 8988, it speaks of An Act Validating the status of Vigan as a City by virtue of a Spanish Royal decree elevating the status of Vigan as city signed by King Fernando VI of Spain.It is very clear that the source of cityhood was the Spanish Royal decree.
The signing into law of a bill presented to the President becomes ministerial when there are no grounds to deny it. In fact inaction on the part of the President for a period of 30 days makes the bill deemed approved by operation of law.
Anyway, my appreciation for the former president for signing into law RA 8988 is hereby given.
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