The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was finally confirmed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) by New7Wonders founder Bernard Weber, and later by Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Weber congratulated Filipinos saying, “Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today's confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm.”

Meanwhile, in a press conference at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City today, Hagedorn told media that the 17-kilometer underground river will now not only boost tourism traffic in Puerto Princesa “but also heighten the awareness on the need to protect the natural wonder.”

“This confirmation is wonderful news for Puerto Princesa, and a great example of how now it’s more fun to be in the Philippines. World-wide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally," Hagedorn added.

ABS-CBN News Online reported that Weber had even praised Hagedorn for maintaining and protecting the river. The N7WN president had visited Palawan several months ago and expressed how he was captivated by the PPUR.

Hagedorn thanked the millions of Filipinos, as well as President Benigno Aquino III for supporting the PPUR campaign, eventually ensuring its spot in the coveted New 7 Wonders of Nature list.

A recognition ceremony will be held on Monday for an official declaration by government officials.

The other destinations included in the provisional list of the New7Wonders of Nature are the Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.

Only the Puerto Princesa Underground River and Jeju Island have been officially confirmed. The other five are undergoing the verification process.

The process includes the validation of the national and global votes.

The PPUR is 50k kilometers away from the city of Puerto Princesa. It consists of a limestone mountain filled with several large cave chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites.

The 8.2 kilometer  underground river winds through the cave and flows directly to the West Philippine Sea.

Mayor Hagedorn said it is also an archeological site since embedded in one of the limestone formations is the remains of a prehistoric 20-million-year-old dugong or sea cow. The dugong is a rare find with only two species in the whole world.

The PPUR has been lauded as among the successfully sustained national treasures of the Philippines.