Philippine underground river named new wonder of nature
MANILA — An underground river in the western Philippines was con rmed to be among the world's new seven wonders of nature, the head of a global competition said yesterday.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in Palawan province is the second of the new seven wonders of nature to be con rmed after provisional results were announced last November.
Bernard Weber, founder and president of the New7wonders, announced the con rmation in Manila and hailed the support for the nomination in the global competition.
"Today's con rmation is the wellearned reward for (the Filipino people's) extraordinary display of enthusiasm," he said.
Weber himself was held in awe by the PPUR, which he visited several months ago, and lauded the efforts of Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward S Hagedorn to maintain its pristine nature and defend it from any encroachment.
Weber noted the enthusiasm generated by PPUR not only among Filipinos who voted online or through text messages but also among foreigners who have made the underground river their rst stop when visiting Puerto Princesa.
Hagedorn thanked President Aquino for being PPUR’S No 1 supporter and the millions of people led by Puerto Princesa residents who campaigned globally to ensure that the environmental wonder would land on the top position in the N7WN contest.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the campaign has raised awareness about the river, where visitor arrivals have increased tremendously. "This is positive proof of how effective a national effort of this sort can be, to build awareness, express pride, and achieve results," he added.
The 8.2 km navigable underground river is the world's longest. The Geneva-based New7wonders earlier con rmed Jeju Island as one of the winners of the competition. — dpa