Vigan, one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, has a long history that began in the 16th century when Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo created a town called Villa Fernandina. Vigan is located at the mouth of the Mestizo River, making it a perfect spot for trading between the local people and Chinese merchants long before Spain arrived. This made Vigan an important center for trade and helped shape its culture and economy.
As a small town, Vigan became a place for business and culture. The town’s buildings showed a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino styles. The lower floors of the houses were made of stone and brick and were used for shops or storage. The upper floors were made of wood and it is where families lived. During the Galleon Trade, Vigan became a big part of global trade, making it an important city in Asia at the time.
By the late 1800s, Vigan’s role as a trading center started to fade, but it still kept its cultural importance. The town kept its old cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and important public places, like Plaza Salcedo and Plaza Burgos. These areas showed how Spanish, Chinese, and Ilocano cultures all came together to create Vigan’s unique identity.
In 2001, Vigan became a city under a new law called Republic Act No. 8988. This was an exciting change for the town, as it gave Vigan the chance to improve its roads, services, and facilities, but still keep its old charm. Becoming a city also helped Vigan grow its economy, especially through tourism. The city’s beautiful old streets, like Calle Crisologo, were restored, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Now as a city, Vigan has found a way to grow while keeping its history. Its old buildings and streets are still standing, and Vigan has added new services and buildings for locals and tourists. Festivals like the Longganisa and Binatbatan festival celebrate its culture and traditions, helping people remember and appreciate the city’s past.
Vigan’s journey from a small town to a city shows how it has stayed strong and proud of its heritage. It shows that it’s possible to honor the past while moving forward, making it an example for other towns to follow. Vigan proves that the past and the future can live together in harmony.
References:
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Historic City of Vigan. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502/
Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Vigan, Philippines, Asia. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/north-luzon/vigan
Tatler Asia. (2021, May 14). Exploring Vigan: A well-preserved Spanish colonial town in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/travel/in-its-full-glory
Philippines Cities. (2020, August 14). Vigan City, Ilocos Sur: History, tourist spots, language, and more. Retrieved from https://philippinescities.com/vigan-city-ilocos-sur/
Facebook. (2022, July 7). The Vigan City Hall. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15fXfuL53h/?mibextid=oFDknk
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