Palace elated by Palawan river’s inclusion among new wonders of nature

The Puerto Princesa Subterrarean River National Park located in Puerto Princesa City. AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang  welcomed the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River among the world’s new seven wonders of nature, expressing optimism that the recognition would trigger a more lively tourism in the Philippines.

“We are heartened to hear that our Puerto Princesa Underground River  is one of the provisional winners for the New Seven Wonders competition,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a  media forum on radio.

“While the final results will be announced in 2012, we congratulate everyone, especially our 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 of the rest of the Philippines.”

But Valte advised those who supported the Puerto Princesa Underground River to keep the text messages confirming their votes.

“In case we encounter a problem, we would have proof that we had really sent text messages,” she said in Filipino.