Vigan Heritage Village

Vigan Heritage Village

TheVigan Heritage Villageis a town inVigan, Ilocos Surthat is considered the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. In November 1999, it was placed on the World Heritage List commemorating its cultural significance.

Historical BackgroundThe village was established in the 16th century, when trade and community activity started to flourish along the Mestizo River, lasting up to the 19th century. The name "Vigan" was derived from a giant taro plant "biga" that grew abundantly along the riverbanks. Most of the materials -- such as adobe, pebbles, bricks and posts -- were brought from Europe through theManila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. The construction work was done by Chinese laborers. Thus, the village's architecture reflects a unique fusion of Spanish European and Chinese culture.

Justification for InscriptionVigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well preserved example of a European trading town in East and South-East Asia.

Vigan Heritage Village did well in building the modern additions to the village in accordance with the colonial style of the houses and buildings in the heritage park. Fastfood restaurant buildings are patterned after the Spanish-style buildings such that they become part of the old town.

Las Pias-Paraaque Critical Habitat

A coastal wetland in Manila Bay situated within the metropolis of Manila, comprising two interconnected, mangrove-covered islands, shallow lagoons and coastline. A Presidential Proclamation in 2007 designated the site as a Critical Habitat for the survival of threatened, restricted-range and congregatory species.At least 5,000 individuals of migratory and resident birds have been recorded at the site, including about 47 migratory species such as the vulnerable Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes).

The most important of the resident bird species is the vulnerable Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) which breeds at the site.Records from 2007-2011 show that the site supports at least 1% of the estimated population of Black-Winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) using the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

The site faces threats associated with being located near densely populated areas. Waste from nearby cities accumulates along the coast and heavy metals and other organic contents coming from residential and industrial effluents affect surrounding areas.Other threats include ongoing land reclamation projects and mangrove cutting. Efforts to ensure the long-term conservation of this site are ongoing.

Chinese Egret (Egret eulophotes)

Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica)

Black-Winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus)

Collared Kingfishers

Chestnut Munias