Jubilation over Puerto Princesa's inclusion in New Seven Wonders list

Philippine Government officials are jubilant that an underground river complex on the island province of Palawan has been included among the world's new natural wonders.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, who is accompanying President Benigno Aquino III on a trip to the Hawaii to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, said the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is a boon, not just for Palawan, but for the whole country.

In a radio interview Lacierda explained "we are heartened to hear that our Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the provisional winners for the New7Wonders competition.

While the final results will be announced in 2012, we congratulate everyone, especially the people, who made this all possible. With this, we sincerely hope 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."

Regional Senator Pia Cayetano added "the PPUR's inclusion in the provisional list of winners affirms the Philippines' reputation as a world-class eco-tourism destination by virtue of our rich biodiversity, breathtaking natural wonders and friendly people."

Senator Cayetano said making the final list was a major accomplishment considering that the contenders originally included more than 400 entries from over 200 nations when the poll began in 2007.

As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the underground river looks set to attract more tourists to Puerto Princesa.

The provisional New7Wonders of Nature, based on a first count of votes, also includes Halong Bay in Vietnam and Indonesia's Komodo National Park. Australasian attractions the Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound and Uluru failed to make the list.

Voting calculation are now being checked, validated and independently verified, with confirmed winners to be announced at inauguration ceremonies in early 2012.

For more information go to www.new7wonders.com