Politics · Philippines Bureau
Vigan province aids horse-drawn carriage drivers preserving UNESCO heritage
The provincial government of Ilocos Sur has distributed rice assistance to kutseros, the traditional horse-drawn carriage operators who maintain Vigan City's distinctive cultural landscape. The aid recognizes their vital role in sustaining the heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
LSN Philippines ·
VIGAN CITY — The Ilocos Sur provincial government distributed rice assistance to kutseros on Monday in recognition of their contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The assistance program targets the horse-drawn carriage drivers who form an integral part of the city's tourism ecosystem and traditional character. Vigan, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, relies heavily on these traditional transportation operators to maintain its distinctive heritage atmosphere.
The provincial government framed the aid as acknowledgment of the kutseros' role in sustaining the city's UNESCO designation. The distribution aims to ease the financial pressures faced by the carriage operators in their daily operations.
The initiative reflects efforts by local authorities to support livelihoods tied directly to heritage preservation. As Vigan continues to attract tourists and cultural enthusiasts, the kutseros remain essential to the authentic visitor experience that defines the city's standing as a protected heritage site.