Vigan City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office

Today, we celebrate the incredible dads and all those who lovingly fulfill this role, serving as the pillars of our homes, enriching our lives with their hard work, and shaping our futures. Thank you for your unconditional love and support.

Sa mga haligi ng tahanan, happy Father’s Day!

The Philippine national anthem, known as "Lupang Hinirang," was composed in 1898 by Julian Felipe with lyrics written in Spanish by José Palma. It was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1956.

The anthem reflects the patriotic spirit and love for the homeland of the Filipino people. Its solemn melody and poignant lyrics evoke a sense of unity and pride among all Filipinos. Over the years, "Lupang Hinirang" has become a symbol of Filipino identity and resilience, especially during times of struggle and triumph.

The history of the Philippine hymn is deeply intertwined with the country's journey towards independence and sovereignty. Its significance lies not only in its musical and lyrical composition but also in the emotions and values it represents.

( Photo credits to the rightful owner )

“𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄: 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑𝐒”

RPMD Foundation Inc. (RPMD) is pleased to unveil the findings of its 'Boses ng Bayan' nationwide survey, a pivotal and independent assessment of Mayoral leadership efficacy in the Ilocos Region for the initial quarter of 2024. This survey, representing a diverse array of perspectives from constituents, marks a significant step toward evaluating leadership and governance competencies.

Mayor Eric Singson of Candon City maintains his position at the forefront as the most effective City Mayor in the Ilocos Region, boasting an impressive performance assessment score of 88.5% at the outset of 2024. Following closely is Mayor Rammy Parayno III of Urdaneta City, securing the second position with a commendable score of 86.3%. Mayor Michael Marcos Keon of Laoag City holds the third spot with a notable score of 84.7%, while Mayor Ayoy Resuello of San Carlos City occupies the fourth position with a commendable 82.2%. Mayor Bonito Singson of Vigan City completes the top five with a respectable score of 80.8%.

Further down the rankings, Mayor D**g Gualberto of San Fernando City secured the sixth position with a performance assessment score of 78.5%, followed by Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste of Alaminos City in seventh place with a score of 76.3%. Mayor Albert Chua of Batac City follows closely in the eighth spot with a score of 73.2%, while Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City concludes the list with a job performance score of 70.4%, securing the ninth and final position.

This survey not only sheds light on the governance capacities of these Mayors but also provides valuable insights into their leadership effectiveness. It serves as a tool to recognize their achievements and pinpoint areas for potential enhancement, resonating throughout their respective municipalities. This is not mere criticism but a clarion call for action, a roadmap for our leaders to pursue better governance and a brighter future for our communities. Your feedback, as constituents, is a potent catalyst for change and progress, shaping the future performance of these Mayors.

Dr. Paul Martinez, a Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD, emphasizes the dynamic nature of political evaluations, particularly with the approach of the 2025 elections. He stresses that a Mayor's current ratings may fluctuate based on their responsiveness to constituent needs, highlighting this period as a critical opportunity for mayors to heed the 'voice of the constituents.' Dr. Martinez asserts that maintaining consistently positive ratings can empower mayors to advance their agendas, while a decline may indicate dissatisfaction and rejection of their leadership. Your voice, as constituents, is the most potent tool for change and progress, and our Mayors must listen and respond to it.

Dr. Martinez underscores the significance of the survey results, stating, 'The strong performance of the top-performing City Mayors in the first quarter of 2024 exemplifies their robust leadership and responsiveness to the dynamic needs of their communities.' He highlights their achievements in city planning, public service delivery, and inclusivity, all of which are crucial for enhancing residents' quality of life. This comprehensive analysis is not just a report but a tool for you, our esteemed audience, to comprehend and contribute to the development of your communities. Your engagement with these results is vital for the future of our region.

Moreover, Dr. Martinez applauds the high approval ratings as indicative of public trust and confidence in these leaders, underscoring the importance of transparent and accountable governance. He commends some Mayors for their innovative approaches to contemporary city challenges, including sustainable development and digital governance initiatives.

In summary, the "Boses ng Bayan" survey offers a thorough and representative analysis of Mayoral performance across the Ilocos Region, serving as a benchmark for governance excellence and providing a guiding framework for other provinces aspiring to elevate their leadership standards. Conducted from March 18-24, 2024, as part of a national effort, the survey engaged 10,000 adult participants with a margin of error of +/-1% at a 95% confidence level.

Mabuhay! The certified time traveller.

Come visit Vigan and be one of them!

Let’s celebrate our freedom!

Come and visit Vigan.

Let us all honor the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of our country. Their courage and sacrifice have paved the way for the independence we cherish today.

As we commemorate this day, let us each do our part in upholding and defending the rights and freedoms of every Filipino.

Maligayang ika-126 na Anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kasarinlan, Pilipinas!

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎. 𝟓𝟔𝟔, 𝐬. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 (𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆) 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐑

Visit the Official Gazette website: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/uH51gu

Happy birthday, Sir Edgar Castillo!

Happy Birthday to our beloved SPM Larry Raboy!

May this day always be a special one to remember.
Greetings from the City Government and the Bigueños!

Trivia:

Isabelo de los Reyes aka "Don Belong" founded the first labor union in the Philippines. called the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina (Philippine Democratic labor Union), And was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 7, 1864 to Elias de los Reyes and Leona Florentino.

Come and join us for a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity at Tres De Mayo: Vigan Festival of Arts 2024!

Check out our fun and exciting lineup of activities.

Happy Birthday, Ma’am Agnes Atriginio!

On April 19, 1849, Leona Florentino was born in Ilocos Sur. Regarded as the "Mother of Philippine women's literature," she began her career in poetry at the age of 10. Getting married at 14 years old to politician Elias de los Reyes and being unable to go to university did not dampen her desire to pursue writing, developing her own distinct Filipina style.

Florentino's works, already considered avant-garde for their time, critiqued gender roles, societal structures, public spaces, and many more. Nonetheless, perhaps owing to her affluent background and limited exposure to the larger scale of the world, they fall short into tackling oppression and revolution, among subversive themes. Her literary career would be cut short by her death on October 4, 1884.

However, it would only be later when her works would gain even greater recognition, as 22 of her poems would be featured in the 1887 Exposición General de las Islas Filipinas (Philippine Exposition) in Madrid. Although her works would be translated thereafter, it was said some of her works were destroyed. One of her poems could be witnessed in the following:

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As-Asug Ti Maysa A Napaay
Mga Hinanakit Ng Isang Nabigo
The Lamentations of Unrequited Love

Nasnebanak ti nasaem a sasainnek, ay ayat!
ta diman la agtanak ti lak-amen a tuok ken rigat;
isuna kadin isunan; ala isunan yantangay detoy biag,
diak duaduaenen a suminan itoy bagik a daksanggasat.

O Pag-ibig, sa makikirot na hibik ako’y natitigmak
Sapagkat ayaw pumayapa ng dusa at hirap;
O maanong tumigil ka na sa pananalasa
Pagkat walang alinlangang buhay ko’y papanaw na.

Ay, ayat, ayaunayen ti sanaang
ni patay sumken nakalkaldaang
ta iti maysa nga agayat a dida pagayatan,
nakasaksakit nakem a maimatangan.

O Pag-ibig, anong hapdi, anong sakit,
Kamatayan kang sumasanib
Dahil ang umiibig na hindi iniibig
Napakasakit, napakakirot sa pangmasid.

Narangas dagiti laingmo ken sayaksakmo naulpit,
nadawel, kitaem man toy silaladingit;
ta naallilaw man dagitoy matak idi a buybuyaek,
ta iti inanama ken talek isuda kaniak ti namatalged.

Kay lupit, kay lupit ng kilos mo’t sigla,
Iniiwan akong nagdurusa;
Nalinlang na ganap ang aking mata
Winasak ang tiwala at aking pag-asa.

Narangas dagiti laingmo ken sayaksakmo naulpit,
nadawel, kitaem man toy silaladingit;
ta naallilaw man dagitoy matak idi a buybuyaek,
ta iti inanama ken talek isuda kaniak ti namatalged.

Ngunit ang umasa’y walang katuturan
Hindi ko akalaing ito ang kahihinatnan
Bangkay ako ngayong naturingan
Pagkat wala nang halaga ang aking katawan.

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Gawad Leona Florentino was named in her honor. Learn more about women's history: https://history-ph.blogspot.com/

Subscribe to further support the continuing cause for history, civics, and culture: https://facebook.com/becomesupporter/historyphils/

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Public Advisory:

Happy birthday, Joemar Go!

Happy Birthday to our beloved Vice Mayor Randolf "Randy" Singson! 🥳🎊

May this day always be a special one to remember.

Greetings from the City Government and the Bigueños!