DOT steps up campaign for Underground River

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) goes all-out in its campaign to encourage people worldwide to vote for Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN).

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the DOT would be conducting familiarization trips and produce travel programs on television about the popular destination in Palawan.

 “We hope that through various advertisements, forum and voting stations, our country’s bid to be in the N7WN would be strengthened,” Lim said.

Lim said he also sought the support of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) for the campaign.

“I have made a pitch for them to support the program and I am happy that they have responded positively by saying they will encourage mainland Chinese to vote as well,” he said.

Last Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign for the Underground River.

Lim said the next three months are expected to be crucial in the promotion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River. The announcement of the N7WN is scheduled on Nov. 11.

He said the last day of voting is midnight of Nov. 10. Those voting via e-mail should log-on to http:///www.new7wonders.com. To vote via text message, write PPUR, PPUR7, or PPUR15 to signify the number of their votes them send to 2861 (for all networks in the Philippines).

Those who are in Canada who want to vote via text message should write PPUR then send 77077; Australia, 19788555; UAE, 3888; South Korea 001-1588-7715; and South Africa, 34874.

Those in Poland should write PUERTO and send to 7155; and Taiwan, write N7W PPUR and send to 55123.