SOLIDARITY DAY INTERACTIVE PARADE DEPICTS VIGAN HISTORY

LET'S CELEBRATE SOLIDARITY DAY

On september 8, 1993, the Organization of World heritage cities was founded in Fez, Morocco. The organization served as an umbrella group of all heritage towns and cities inscribed by UNESCO. As of December, 2001, the organization was made up of 203 Cities. Of the member cities, seven are located in Africa, 36 in Latin America and the Caribbean, , 120 in Europe and Canada, 20 in the Arab States, and 20 in Asia and the Pacific, including our beloved VIGAN. This brings pride and prestige for all of us, This is indeed a cause to celebrate, that’s why we are gathered here this afternoon.

As we celebrate solidarity day with the rest of the world, we also renew our commitment to protect the rich legacy of the past. We have started making Vigan a livable city, the challenge for all us now is to make our city globally competitive. Efforts have been exerted to conserve the ancestral houses of vigan. The challenge now is to protect other forms of heritage such as the intangible, the natural and the movable. Vigan has become one of the favorite destinations of tourists, the challenge now is to come up with an organized tourism promotion to attract both local and foreign visitors. We now have to change the mind set that Vigan is just one of the attractions. Let’s view Vigan as a corporate entity, which is a source of economic opportunities.

Lets celebrate solidarity day, I welcome all of you in this celebration. Let's all say Viva Vigan!

DILG UNDERSECRETARY MARIUS CORPUZ TURNS-OVER A FIRE TRUCK TO THE CITY OFFICIALS OF VIGAN CITY

THE SECOND CITY COUNCIL, 2004-2007

The term of the Second City Council of Vigan has come to an end but the chamber’s role to legislate to protect the heritage remains. As an institution, the legislative branch of the City Government of Vigan will continue to perform its functions to make laws, approve development plans, and appropriate funds for the general welfare.

We will remember the Second City Council for enacting landmark legislations for the City of Vigan. Among which are the Vigan Conservation Code as amended, Vigan Revenue Code as amended, Investment Incentives Code, Transportation and Traffic Code, Vigan Youth Code, Ordinance Establishing the Traditional Industries Board, Ordinance Granting an Annual Development Budgetary Aid to all Barangay Governments to at least One Hundred Thousand Pesos(Php 100,000.00), Ordinance Bestowing Monthly Performance Allowance for Barangay Officials and Tanods, and Ordinance Providing Annual Group Insurance Policy for Barangay Officials and Tanods.

We will also remember the Second City Council for pioneering projects such as the Electronic Session(E-Session), 1st Vigan City Job Fair, 1st Himig ng Kalayaan, 1st Bikini Challenge, 1st Heritage Showdance, and a weekly radio program, “Ti Konseho ti Vigan.” The Second City Council will be remembered as the Outstanding Sanggunian of Ilocos Sur and the First Runner-up of Region I.

In line with its Vision to come up with a dynamic, independent, responsive and effective legislative body that will ensure a better quality of life of the people, the Vigan City Council remains committed to legislate to protect the heritage.

THE NEED FOR CULTURAL MAPPING IN THE BARANGAYS

Cultural mapping is the identification and protection of cultural properties in a given place. It’s more than the inventory of ancestral houses, artifacts, religious icons, works of art and other cultural properties. It includes the commitment and passion to conserve them. Cultural mapping goes hand in hand with heritage conservation. Education is vital in this kind of endeavor. The people, especially those in the barangays must be informed well so that appreciation can come in. There can only be effective and meaningful conservation of cultural properties if the stakeholders learn to give importance to their heritage.

Speaking of heritage, which has been defined as Legacy of the Past, Vigan’s thrust nowadays through the cultural mapping project is to expand the concept of heritage conservation. At present, the City has embarked a cultural mapping project to identify and have an inventory of all our cultural properties, be it

BUILT Heritage- such as the ancestral houses of Vigan;

INTANGIBLE Heritage – such as our songs, dances, cuisines, customs, traditions and practices;

MOVABLE Heritage – such as paintings, statues, jewelries, relics, and the like;

NATURAL Heritage - such as our centuries-old trees, rivers, natural parks, and the vista of the mountains and the seas.

As a World heritage site, it is now a must for us to be comprehensive in approach when it comes to conservation. Conserving our heritage is preserving our civilization. Through Cultural Mapping , we can tell the world that as Bigueños and Filipinos, we have an identity to be proud of. We can only achieve this with the committed involvement of the barangays. There is a felt need to conduct cultural mapping in the barangay level.

FEW BRAVE SOULS

Local Government Taxation is one of the most avoided topics among politicians. Under the Philippine setting, local legislators tend to shy away when it comes to sponsorships of tax measures. The passage of the New Vigan Revenue Code came at a time when we were still reeling from the Expansion of the Value-Added Tax imposed by the National Government. In the City of Vigan, after being challenged by Mayor Ferdinand Medina in his State of the City Address in June of 2005, a few months before the expiration of the moratorium of local taxes under the City Charter of Vigan(R.A. 8988), the City Council started to work on the enactment of a New Revenue Code. It did not come easy. Few brave souls patiently and relentlessly worked for its passage. From the time it was first presented, to the series of consultations and public hearings, discussions in the committee level, debate in the plenary and until the final voting, the proposed code was met with apprehensions. But, that’s the beauty of legislation, and Vigan can proudly tell that it is one of the few local government units which has consistently conducted honest-to-goodness public hearings and consultations in the passage of its revenue code.

As a compromise with the business sector, the New Vigan Revenue Code generally did not increase the rates of taxes. What was increased were the regulatory fees, taxes on banks and financial institutions, taxes on the operation of cockpit arenas, and taxes on tobacco trading. From these activities, the amount of 9 (nine) million pesos is expected to be generated as additional income for development projects. The challenge is now with the City Treasurer’s office to implement the code and efficiently collect taxes. The City Council has done its part but it will continue to monitor the implementation of the New Revenue Code under its oversight powers. The last time that the revenue code of Vigan was updated was in 1984, thus, the passage of the New Vigan Revenue Code is really a breakthrough.

I would like to thank the Members of the Second City Council who acted with prudence in deliberating the New Vigan Revenue Code. Special mention to Councilor Loreto Quibilan, the Principal Proponent of this Ordinance; Councilor Ever Molina, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules of the Second City Council, whose parliamentary skills contributed in the smooth passage of the ordinance; Former Councilor Germelina Singson-Goulart, whose strong political will provided the inspiration in the approval of this revenue code; my Chief of Staff, Atty. Mhelygene Tesoro who provided the legal research; Ms. Ema Tugade, researcher of the Vice Mayor’s Office, who painstakingly provided inputs in this project; City Treasurer Milagros Contreras, for her dedication in attending public hearings; Mrs. Rowena Raboy, the City Council stenographer, whose notes helped us determine the legislative intent of the ordinance; and Dr. Esperanza Lahoz, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ilocos Sur Chapter, whose advocacy to protect the business sector provided the necessary balance in the formulation of this code.

On a personal note, the challenge to come up with a New Revenue Code a year before the election, made me realize that there are few brave souls ready to work for the city.

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.

HONG KONG, SHENZEN and VIGAN

During a recent trip to Honkong and Shenzen, China, I was observing how these two places have become favorite destinations of tourists. For a long time now, Honkong is still a major destination for all kinds of travellers. The only time when tourism went down was during the prevalence of the dreaded disease SARS(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Incidentally, Hongkong is being referred to as one of the two SARs(Special Autonomous Regions) of China. The other one is Macau.

It was my second visit to Hongkong and it seems that progress is unlimited in this place. Aside from the the theme parks such as Disneyland and the Ocean Park, I was impressed by the public transport system of this former British colony.

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the MTR or Mass Transit Railway is the main rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Since the MTR service first opened in 1979, the network has expanded to encompass seven lines and 53 stations along 91.0 kilometres (56.5 miles). Due to its efficiency and affordability, the MTR system is a common mode of public transport in Hong Kong. In 1967, construction of the MTR was prompted by a government-commissioned study. The Hong Kong Government had previously commissioned a study in the 1960s to find solutions to the growing traffic problem caused by the expansion of the city's economy.

If in Hongkong, you don't have to worry going from one place to another, the MTR provides the solution, a stranger in the place could easily move with the MTR's user-friendly features. Its safe, affordable and efficient. This makes the place tourist-friendly.

Shenzen , China is a neighbor of Honkong. I surmised that this young city was specially developed by mainland China to catch the spillover of visitors from Hongkong. Aside from the jewelry and local delicacies factories, a theme park called Window of the World is a crowd drawer.

Window of the World is a fantastic replica park situated Shenzen. Here you can see vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical monuments and famous scenic sites. Within one day, you can visit many reproductions of famous sites from different countries. For example, you can find the Mahamuni Pagoda of Rangoon, the Angkor Wat of Cambodia, the Eiffel Tower of France, the Pyramids and Sphinx of Egypt, and many other wonders of the World.

How I wish Vigan was included in the Window of the World showcase. Vigan is a World Heritage site listed in UNESCO. Being a former Spanish settlement, it is one of the oldest Cities of the Philippines. It is one place where we can see centuries-old ancestral houses of Hispanic and Chinese influences. Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well preserved example of a European trading town in East and East Asia.

I appreciate the aggressive efforts of the Chinese in promoting tourism. Hong Kong and Shenzen were able to attract visitors worldwide and earn income from tourism despite the fact that the attractions they offer are commercial and artificial in nature. Theme parks are just creations of the imagination. It's not real, its make-believe.

World heritage sites like Vigan are real, authentic, and unique. They are products of rich legacies of the past. They exude a universal value. Humanity has the obligation to protect them in order that the next generation will have something to appreciate. Heritage speaks of the history and identity of a place. It is a source of pride. But, how come Vigan can't attract visitors as many as those going to Disneyland and Window of the World? Maybe it has something to do with the packaging and availabilty of necessary infrastructure support and tourist facilities . I believe that its now time for us to consider re-packaging Vigan as a tourist destination. We need infrastructures such as air and sea ports. We need tourist-friendly transportation facilities. We need a convention center, big enough to accomodate national and international conferences. We need the active participation of the private sector in terms of investments and organization of events. I believe that the City Government of Vigan has done its part, its now time for the Civil Society to give its share in making Vigan a World Class tourist destination. Let's be aggressive this time. Let's put our acts together and establish a tourism industry whose benefits shall trickle down to the poor. Who knows? Vigan might be the next Hong Kong or Shenzen.

Oath-taking of newly elected officials

Inauguration of Newly Elected City Officials
June 29, 2007- VCTC
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I was given the rare opportunity to deliver a welcome address on three occasions. In 2001, during the inauguration of the New Vigan City Officials, when I first got elected as Vice Mayor, in 2004, during the turn-over of responsibilities from Mayor Eva to Mayor Ferdi, and today during our inauguration and turn-over of administration from Mayor Ferdi to Mayor Eva.

Vigan earned its mark in history when Vigan was listed in 1999 as a World Heritage Site in the United Nations. We made history when Vigan reclaimed its status as a City in 2001.

Today, we are again making history with the inauguration of Local Officials from the Mayor down to the Councilor who were elected belonging to the same political party.

You might be asking, what will happen to democracy if there will be concentration of power in one party. NOT in Vigan, I believe that we will transcend political affiliations when the general welfare is at stake. The secret of Vigan’s success is the fact that we have a strong leader who is open to constructive criticism and a City Council which is ready to cooperate.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our out-going officials. Mayor Ferdi Medina, thank you for upholding the independence of the Vigan City Council, thank you for being instrumental in making Vigan a multi-awarded city. Thank you for your outstanding service. Proudly, I can say you are truly a BIGUEÑO.

Councilors Jun Figuerres, Germy Goulart and Felix Aninag, thank you for keeping the flames of democracy alive in the City Council. Thank you for your contribution in making the City Council Dynamic, Responsible and Outstanding in the Province and in the Region.

I welcome the new Mayor, Eva Medina, Ma’am, we are ready to work with you. I also welcome our new legislators, Councilors Lulu Baquiran, George Villanueva and Benjo Verzosa. I hope to see you on Monday, during our first session day. Maligayang Pagbabalik sa inyo.

To all our guests, welcome to this inauguration and turn-over ceremonies.

(Welcome Address of Vice Mayor Franz Ranches during the Inauguration and Turn-Over Ceremonies for Incoming and Outgoing Vigan officials)

VILLA FERNANDINA DE VIGAN ("Vigan in Taguig")

The inauguration of Vigan's "embassy" in Taguig is another innovative approach in promoting Vigan as a major tourist destination. Vigan's presence in the Metropolis is gradually being felt with the establishment of a satellite office in the City of Taguig, an upcoming business hub in Metro Manila.

BEATING THE HEAT: TREE PLANTING AT BRGY. RAOIS, VIGAN

FREEDOM FROM IGNORANCE PAVES THE WAY FOR ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE

June 12, 2007

Today is the 109th Philippine Independence Day. We celebrate the Philippines' independence from Spanish Tyranny way back 1898. After more than a century, Filipinos remained economically dependent and deprived. Majority of our people remains poor despite the abundance of natural resources, worse many are still ignorant, although we pride ourselves of having good and competitive universites and schools and having the brilliant minds in different fields of endeavor.

Some local governments have started re-engineering public management by focusing on their local economies by attracting investors and promoting livelihood oppotunities through entrepreneurship and micro-financing. This is not enough, education still plays an important role in eradicating poverty. You could not just give a person a seed money to start a car repair shop without first training him or her to become an auto-mechanic. The person has to be educated on the basics of car repair and management in order to become an effective service worker. Said person must get rid of his ignorance in repairing cars and running a small business so that he or she will be able to manage the car repair shop well.

Freedom from Ignorance must prevail so that people will do what is right. Ignorance is an impediment to progress. Addressing the issue on ignorance paves the way to economic independence. What the Filipinos need now is Political Education. Candidates and Voters should be politically educated in order to attain political maturity. People should be able to understand how government works so that they can avail of its services and at the same time perform their responsibilities as citizens.

Let us free ourselves from ignorance! Let us strive for economic independence!

Let us work for a truly INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINES. MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!

SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:31-34 NIV)

I adhere to this biblical passage. Faith and hard work are the Filipino’s best formula for survival. Belief in God and in one’s self works miraculously for the hardworking man.

FORUM ON ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS FOR VIGAN BARANGAY OFFICIALS

GLOBALIZATION: A Tool for Development

Globalization is basically exercising one's freedom to compete. Competition always results in doing one's best in every endeavor. Every competitor wants to prevail over the other. If done within the bounds of the law and universally accepted principles, competition is healthy and becomes an effective tool for development. In the Philippines, many local government units (LGUs) strive to outdo each other in terms of public management. Some LGUs try to replicate the best practices of local governments of other countries. The spirit to become competitive goes beyond the Philippine boundaries.

As a tool for development, Globalization plays an important role in addressing the issue on poverty. The worldwide demand for micro–financing and entrepreneurship is gradually empowering small businesses to contribute to the economic growth of third world countries. It would be unnatural to resist globalization when everybody is competing in the world market.

INSPIRATION FROM NEW LAWYERS OF VIGAN

The new lawyers of Vigan who just passed the 2006 Bar Examinations are truly sources of inspiration. I was particular struck by the message of Atty. Glenn Romano.

A fellow Tomasian, this young man from Barangay IV articulated his experiences in life, having been raised from a not so well-off family, he pointed out that he knows how is it to be poor. For him, poverty is injustice. This is the reason why he wanted to become a lawyer so he can become an instrument in addressing this social malady. He wants to prove that there are poor people who can become lawyers and poverty is never a hindrance in attaining one's dream.

Triumph for Heritage Conservation

It's Final, we have been proclaimed winners in the 2007 Vigan Election by the City Board of Canvassers. It's a sweep for our team. We all won, from the Mayor down to the 10th councilor. In my case I defeated my rival, ABC President Constante Benzon by more than 3,540 votes for the position of City Vice Mayor. With God's help, I made it again!

The victory is a triumph for Heritage Conservation. Among others, our team has adopted CONSERVATION as platform of government. The group solidly stands for the protection of Vigan's rich heritage.

TIME TO HEAL

Now that election is over, its's now time to heal. Let's heal the wounds caused by political intrigues, bickerings, controversies and the like. It's time to set aside poltical differences and start working for the City of Vigan

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MAY 14, 2007 ELECTION DAY

Today is Election Day here in the Philippines, campaign is over and we are now on the stage of exercising our right of suffrage. The temporary disunity caused by the campaign will soon come to end, and the healing process will start. This is Democracy at work. Better said than done? maybe yes, under Philippine setting but as a politician for more than 20 years, I remain committed in making politics a respectable calling.

Here in Vigan, since the position of Mayor is uncontested, with Eva Medina having no opponent, focus is given to the position of Vice Mayor, being contested by yours truly, Franz Ranches and my opponent ABC President Constante Benzon. Recent survey shows that I am still leading comfortably over my adversary. Despite the encouraging results of two surveys conducted, I really campaigned hard in order to ensure my victory.

THE TEAM TO BEAT