Zurich, Switzerland: The President of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino, III, has proclaimed that 11 November every year will be known as “Puerto Princesa Underground River Day.” The signing of the proclamation took place in the Malacañang Palace in Manila, the official residence of the President of the Philippines.
Noting that the Puerto Princesa Underground River was chosen as one of the New7Wonders of Nature on 11 November 2011 and that “such recognition brought great honor and acclaim not only to the City of Puerto Princesa and the Province of Palawan but to the entire nation as well,” the proclamation urged that “All heads of departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, local government units, and other sectors are hereby encouraged to extend their support and participate in the programs and activities to be held for this purpose.”
Welcoming the issuing of the proclamation, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, said: “In electing the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New7Wonders of Nature on 11.11.11, the people of the Philippines displayed their love of their natural resources, and by commemorating the election in perpetuity on 11 November each year, the government has now taken a significant step to place global democracy and environmental awareness at the centre of its national and regional policies.” Bernard Weber thanked President Aquino for acknowledging the work of New7Wonders and he praised the Philippine administration for its continued involvement in preserving the Puerto Princesa Underground River and its environment.
In alphabetical order, the New7Wonders of Nature are: Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.