The Puerto Princesa Underground River was officially inaugurated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature on Saturday April 21, 2012.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the One Esplanade in Pasay City, was attended by President Benigno Aquino III, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.
Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn thanked the President for personally campaigning for the inclusion of the underground river, saying that the simple act of getting nominated was difficult.
Hagedorn said the success of the underground river is not only for the province of Puerto Princesa but for the whole country as well.
President Aquino, for his part, said the recognition of Palawan’s underground river will boost tourism in the province and in the country and will create job opportunities.
Aquino also stressed the importance of preserving the natural resources of the country.
The head of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Foundation Dr. Bernard Weber presented the plaque to Aquino.
Dignitaries from other countries like Vietnam and Korea also attended the inauguration.
Various artists, including Noel Cabangon, Joey Ayala and Sarah Geronimo, performed at the event.
Also making it to the list of new world wonders are the Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazo Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, and Table Mountain.
Article Courtesy: ABS-CBNnews.com
Photo Courtesy: IslandsAccomodations.com
