Underground River made it to the top 6

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, June 9,2008 - The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) home to the world’s longest navigable underground river made it to the top 6 official nominees to become one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature.”

The underground river tremendously reached the top 6 after only a few months of being in the official list of nominees.

The Underground River located at sitio Sabang, Bgy. Cabayugan, is situated some 81 kilometers north of the city proper was developed by the city government under the leadership of Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

From its 275th position after nominated last April 13, it has reached the current rank and is expected to improve its ranking.

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 in the current, it would be advantageous 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).