Vigan is cleanest, safest city in Ilocandia

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — This world-renowned heritage city was recently named the cleanest and safest city in the entire Ilocos region by the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo S. Medina and other city officials received the award during the RDC’s State of the Region Address at the Vigan Convention Center.

“This is not an award of the LGU, but the whole city of Vigan. This is just a validation of the services of the city, the hardships of the LGU employees, the barangays, non-government organizations and other sectors of the city,” Mayor Medina said Wednesday.

“Although the city is a poor city with a meager funds; when this fund is well spent, more services are given to residents,” he added.

He also acknowledged her mother, former Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina, for her initiatives, support and assistance to the city.

“What Mayor Eva started, what she sacrificed for was good for the city since 1995. This is the fruit. She worked hard for this. And the department heads believed in her administration’s thrusts that they supported her until now,” he said.

Medina disclosed that Vigan’s clean river, protected trees, waste management program, the level of comfort of residents and tourists in terms of peace and order boosted the city’s bid to capture the prestigious award.

Since the search is conducted annually, Medina said that the city must join yearly not just to win an award, but to have the city evaluated so that deficiencies and other needs are identified and promptly, adequately addressed.