Puerto’s “Underground River” lands at rank 30th today

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, May 4,2008 - The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP), which houses the world’s longest navigable water, has landed today in the top 30 official nominees to become one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” in the ongoing worldwide search.

The dramatic climb of PPSRNP, famously known as “Underground River” in sitio Sabang, barangay Cabayugan, located some 81 kilometers north from city, developed after the city government under Mayor Edward Hagedorn is seriously embarking a campaign to make the national park, at least, improve its ranking.

From its 275th position after nominated last April 13, it is currently ranked 30th in the ongoing live ranking among candidates in the selection of new seven wonders.

Hagedorn attributed the impressive park’s rankings to tourists who visited the park and to the almost 20,000 athletes, sports officials and guests involved in the past Palarong Pambansa here.

Visitors can vote through internet at different internet centers set up city government at the Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. Sports Complex and city coliseum.

Being at the 30th post, it would be advantage for the “Underground River” because prospective voters from all over the world will directly see it at the website www.new7wonders.com and from the official website of the city www.puertoprincesa.ph at the live ranking.

”The underground river is famous here and abroad. I am confident that we will make it to the next round and hopefully into the final seven. We have been asking our visitors to vote for the underground river”, Hagedorn said in an statement.

Earlier, Hagedorn has appealed to Filipinos in the country and abroad to support the city government’s efforts to include the park in the group of 21 finalists before the internet voting closes Dec. 31, 2008.

The park with its underground 8.2 kilometer-long navigable river, considered the world\'s longest, had earlier been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Environment, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).