Ochoa directs gov’t workers to support inauguration of PPUR as N7WN

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. has directed all government employees and concerned agencies to give their full support and participate in activities recognizing the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN).

In a memorandum signed on April 12, Ochoa also enjoined local government units (LGUs) to extend assistance to the PPUR-N7WN Campaign Task Force, which will spearhead the inaugural ceremonies at One Esplanade in Pasay City on April 21.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to unveil a 100-kilo plaque from competition organizer New Seven Wonders of Nature Foundation during the event. The Foundation will also turn over a smaller plaque, which will be displayed at the underground river.

“It is only necessary that all of us give due acknowledgment and appreciation to the PPUR, which is now among the N7WN, through an inauguration ceremony,” Ochoa said on Thursday.

“Our campaign in making the PPUR as one of the world-famous tourist spots in our country was a success and we anticipate that it will further attract international interest as well as boost tourism and investment that will benefit our country,” he added.

The Executive Secretary instructed the heads of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Philippine National Police, among others, to coordinate with and assist the PPUR-N7WN Campaign Task Force in the inaugural activities.

“Subject to prescribed budgetary guidelines and government auditing rules and regulations, all government agencies concerned are authorized to allocate funds from available sources to cover the operational requirements for the conduct of activities,” Ochoa stated in Memorandum Circular No. 29.

Early this year, the Switzerland-based N7WN Foundation officially proclaimed PPUR as one of the N7WN, giving the popular Palawan destination a distinct position in the international tourist map.

Proclamation No. 182, issued on June 3, 2011, declared a national and international promotion campaign in support of the PPUR as the country’s lone entry and finalist in the search for the N7WN. It also created the PPUR-N7WN Campaign Task Force, which was responsible for the active voting campaign at the national and local levels that catapulted PPUR as one of the N7WN. ###