Robredo lauds LGU support in PPUR’s bid as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

By DILG Office of Public Affairs
November 14, 2011

QUEZON CITY  –  Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo lauded and expressed thanks to the country’s governors, mayors and barangay chairmen for their all-out support in making the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

The DILG Secretary, who is chairman of the Inter-agency Task Force for the PPUR campaign created under Presidential Proclamation 182, said the more than 80 percent compliance of local chief executives nationwide to rally their constituents to vote – via text message PPUR 2861 or via the Internet – contributed a lot in the effort.

“I thank all the local chief executives nationwide who answered our call to support the PPUR to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. It is Filipino unity and patriotism at its best. It is not just the pride and joy of the people of Palawan but the entire country as well,” he said. “Aside from the global prestige it will bring to the Philippines, the country also stands to benefit from PPUR in terms of tourism and related revenues,” he added.

In a last-ditch effort last Wednesday, the DILG issued a memo circular to all local chief executives nationwide to conduct and attend their flag retreat on Friday (dubbed as 11-11-11) and rally their constituents to vote via their cellular phones by texting PPUR send to 2861.

In Eastern Visayas, DILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said that LGUs showed full support to PPUR’s bid by organizing simultaneous text voting during activities such as training, conferences, flag ceremonies and barangay assemblies, as well as by putting up outdoor advertising.  Dir. Noval likewise thanked the Philippine Information Agency and local media in promoting widespread public awareness.

Robredo also directed all chiefs of bureaus and offices under the DILG such as the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Local Government Academy, National Police Commission, the DILG regional offices, among others, to conduct same flag retreat activity last Friday.

Robredo said he is very much delighted to learn that PPUR has made it to the top 7 New 7 Wonders Nature finalists, expressing confidence that it will stay despite the organizers’ statement that the list was provisional and may change by the time a final announcement is made early next year.