It's official: Underground River among 7 Wonders

By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star) Updated January 29, 2012 12:00 AM

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, in this photo taken from www.gov.ph, was officially declared one of the New7Wonders of Nature yesterday.
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MANILA, Philippines - The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now officially part of the New7Wonders of Nature.

“I am proud to confirm that PPUR is now one of the New7Wonders of Nature; preparations for the proclamation are underway,” Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn announced yesterday at a press briefing at Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

Hagedorn said he received the good news from New7Wonders founder Bernard Weber, who also informed him that PPUR got a total of 20 million votes based on a global tally.

PPUR joins the list of New7Wonders of Nature, which include the Amazon River in South America, Halong Bay in Vietnam, Iguazu Falls in South America, Jeju Island in South Korea, Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

PPUR is the longest navigable underground river in the world and is managed by the city government of Puerto Princesa.

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It is also the first national park to be cited for its best practices in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn receives a plaque officially naming the Underground River as one of the New7 Wonders of Nature from Bernard Weber, founder-president of New7Wonders, during a press conference at Heritage Hotel in Pasay City yesterday. JONJON VICENCIO

Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement Malacañang welcomes the confirmation of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

“Throughout the competition, Filipinos from all walks of life have given time, energy and resources to this campaign,” Lacierda said in a statement.

Lacierda added, “This effort has raised awareness not only overseas but nationally as well. Visits to the PPUR have increased tremendously. This is proof of how effective a national effort can be, to build awareness, express pride and achieve results.”

With the inclusion of PPUR on the New7Wonders list, Hagedorn expects an increase in tourists, more job opportunities for the locals, and additional revenue for the province.

“We are expecting that the P2-billion revenue will be double this year,” Hagedorn said. - With Aurea Calica