The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River slips to number 2 on the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) poll, prompting the Department of Tourism (DOT) to appeal for support from voters. The Philippine entry is vying for the top spot, which is currently occupied by the Amazon River, among other 54 nominees under the category of Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves.

There are currently 261 nominees from all over the globe, competing in 7 different categories, only 77 of which will remain after voting ends in July 7, 2009. The campaign is at its second of three stages.

The contenders have been classified into 7 groups which are: Landscapes/Ice Formations, Islands, Mountains/Volcanoes, Caves/Rock Formations/Valleys, Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves, Lakes/Rivers/Waterfalls, and Seascapes.

“It’s time we go beyond voting. Let’s all take an active part in promoting Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River to the whole world,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

“More than a popularity contest, this campaign advocates the protection and preservation of our unique natural wealth,” said Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.

Voters anywhere in the world can take part in the poll through the internet or via the international telephone voting line, or with a personalized voting certificate.

Renowned as the world’s longest underground river, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also features a stunning limestone karst mountain landscape. Inside its large chambers are stalactites and stalagmites formations, while at the mouth of its cave thrives a bustling ecosystem which includes monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels.

After the top 77 candidates have been determined, the New7Wonders Panel of Experts, led by Prof. Dr. Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO, will then take over to select the 21 Finalists.

The New 7 Wonders of Nature is an ongoing campaign sponsored by the New 7 Wonders Foundation based in Switzerland. The same group initiated the New 7 Wonders of the World project in 2007.

Majority of the visitors on the N7WN website has likewise voted for Manila as the venue for the proclamation of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.

Get Philippine Travel News on your inbox - Join Lakbay Pilipinas Mailing List