Underground River makes Wonders list

The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was named as one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature,” based on the results of a four-year global search released Saturday.

New7Wonders Foundation (N7W) Founder and President Bernard Weber announced the New Seven Wonders of Nature (in alphabetical order) as Amazon (South America), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Jeju Island (Korea), Komodo (Indonesia), Puerto Princesa Underground River (Philippines), and Table Mountain (South Africa).

“I would like to thank the many champions, citizens, voluntary organizations, public bodies, and governments that have helped promote the “New7Wonders of Nature” campaign over the past four years, starting with over 440 locations from over 220 countries and all the way to the 28 finalist candidates from whom the “New7Wonders of Nature” have been chosen,” Weber said in a statement.

“We congratulate each of these participants for achieving r provisional “New7Wonders of Nature” status, and look forward to completing the confirmation process to celebrate each one in his own official inauguration ceremony early in 2012,” Weber added.

“When the “New7 Wonders of Nature” are confirmed, they will join the man-made “New 7 Wonders of the World” in becoming part of global memory for humankind forever,” he said.

The Switzerland-based N7 W explained that the results announced were provisional, based on the first count of votes completed since the voting ended last Friday.

“The results will still be checked, validated, and independently verified,” it said.

“Once the voting validation process is completed, in early 2012, “New7Wonders” will then work with the confirmed winners to organize the official inauguration events. It may happen that one or more of the provisional winners announced today will not be confirmed during the validation process, ‘New7Wonders” will issue a media update should this happen,” it added.

Malacañang Saturday expressed hope that the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in the provisional list of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” would draw the world's attention to the natural beauty of the Philippines.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government hopes "that the rest of the world will stand up and notice the majesty not just of the underground river, but the rest of the Philippines."

"We are heartened to hear that our PPUR is one of the provisional winners for the ‘New Seven Wonders’ competition. While the final results will be announced in 2012, we congratulate everyone, especially our people who made this all possible," Lacierda said.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte lauded the overwhelming support Filipinos gave the PPUR campaign through online and text voting. (With additional reports from Jacky Lynne Oiga)

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA and JC BELLO RUIZ
MB.COM.PH

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