President Benigno S. Aquino III recently issued Proclamation No. 182, "Declaring a National and International Promotion Campaign for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN)", as part of the government's effort to encourage all Filipinos, at home and abroad, and the friends of the Filipino people, to help in the campaign to ensure that PPUR is proclaimed as one of the N7WN.

From an initial list of over 400 nature destinations around the world, the Puerto Princesa Underground River emerged as the lone finalist from the Philippines and now ranks in the top 14 of the 28 Official Finalist Candidates selected by a panel of international experts from a list of 77 contenders via the first round of global voting from 2007 to 2010. The official declaration of the New Seven Wonders of Nature will be on 11 November 2011.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river in Puerto Princesa is reputed to be the world's longest of subterranean river. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

1. Vote via the New Seven Wonders of Nature website

Internet voting is allowed per email address registered on the N7WN website.

• Go to the New Seven Wonders of Nature website voting page
• Check the PP Underground River Philippines as one of your seven candidates
• Register your email account and
• Click on "Send Your Vote"

2. Vote by Telephone

You can also vote using the international telephone voting line, available 24 hours a day and which you can call from any international telephone line anywhere in the world.

• Dial any of the following international telephone numbers:
  • +23 92201055
  • +1 869 760 5990
  • +1 649 339 8080
  • +44 758 900 1290
• When you hear the tone after the voice message, enter the 4-digit code 7723 to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River
• You will hear a thank you message to indicate that you have successfully voted by telephone

The Embassy fully supports the Puerto Princesa Underground River and invites everyone to join the campaign to have one of the many fascinating ecotourism destinations in the Philippines listed among the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Tell your Jordanian and other foreign friends about the Puerto Princesa Underground River and get them to vote. Just use any of the sharing options below. Once you've voted, declare your support in the comments section. Maraming salamat at mabuhay!