Vigan Cityhood: Vigan as a Municipality Then and Vigan as a City Now

https://www.beyondmydoor.com/things-to-do-vigan-philippines/

This city has had some amazing changes throughout the years. Vigan has grown from a small municipality into a big thriving city known for the heritage and cultural significance. This blog tells the travel story of Vigan from a municipality to present today.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/johntewell/36227106562

Vigan Today as a Municipality: A Glimpse of the Past

Long before becoming a city, Vigan was more of a municipality that was mocha-laced to its colonial past. As the center of Ilocos Sur, it acted as a midway point for trade, governance, and culture. Spanish influences could be seen here through architecture, particularly the long line of ancestral houses lining cobbled streets.

During that period when Vigan was a municipality, this town thrived in agriculture, pottery, and weaving. The local people were engaged in farming and handicrafts, mainly producing burnay (earthenware jars) and abel Iloko (woven fabric). However historical and economically important Vigan is, it has remained classified within the limits of a municipality with limited resources for development.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigan

Vigan as a City: A Heritage Hub for Modernity

On September 7, 2001, Vigan became a city by way of Republic Act No. 8988, plebiscitated. The cityhood was a new era of growth and recognition for Vigan, allowing it access to more resources for the infrastructures, tourism, and economies of local industries.

Today, the city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is celebrated for its well-preserved Spanish-era structures and cultural heritage. It brings foreign and local tourists, thus contributing greatly to the economy. The government of the city has improved the public services, education, and environmental programs while further strengthening its historical charms, which make Vigan unique.

Vigan’s transformation from a municipality to a city showcases how history and modernization can coexist. Its journey reflects the importance of cultural preservation alongside progress. As Vigan continues to grow, it remains a symbol of the Philippines' rich heritage and resilience.

What are your thoughts on Vigan’s cityhood? Share your insights in the comments!