In a press briefing yesterday, and after exploring the caves himself, President Aquino called on the estimated 80 million Filipinos with cellphones to unite and support Palawan’s Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in a campaign for it to be one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
The President expressed optimism that tourism could go up as high as 60 percent if the site won in the contest. He said billions of text messages are sent by Filipinos daily and just one text message for the Palawan Underground River from each could contribute to bringing in more tourists and boosting the economy.
“Baka naman puwedeng makahirit ng isang text para diyan,” he said in a speech earlier this month, wherein he was already promoting the campaign. “Pakita po natin kung gaano tayo kabuo. Pakita po natin na talagang, kung may tutulong sa atin, ‘Maraming salamat’, pero ang aahon sa Pilipino ay Pilipino muna.”
At 8.2 kilometers, the PPUR is considered the longest navigable underground river in the world. The site was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1999.
To participate in the global polling through SMS, send “PPUR” to 2861.
Prepared February 10, 2011, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office
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