Lagawan

City Mayor Edward Hagedorn led around 2,000 participants of the “Hike for Life” which kicked off Monday morning for a five-day 75-kilometer walk from the city proper to the world-famous Underground River in Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, this city.

Hagedorn endorsed the activity as one of summer’s great adventure that will support the Philippines representative to the worldwide online voting in the search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

”Let us show to the youth that we are concerned about their future through environment protection. If we cannot restore our environment, we should not destroy it,” said Hagedorn.

Joshua Buenaventura of Champion Youth, organizer of “Hike for Life”, said that “the program is not all about walking. We will instill in the minds of the participants the love for nature and the family. The walk is three-four hours daily. We have four drop offs in barangays Bacungan, Bahile, Tagabinet and Sabang so that hikers can stop and sleep for the night. Along the way, we will conduct a youth forum, medical and dental mission, games, community and social work and street party.”

Ancho Buenaventura of Life Christian Ministries said that Mayor Hagedorn and Palawan Governor Joel Reyes were in full support of the activity. “We have medical team and security forces along the trip. Parents should not worry about their children. This is a walk that will show the youth of an alternative and meaning lifestyle that is fun and clean. We are happy our local leaders are very supportive of this program,” Buenaventura said.

Participant Ellen Belen woke up early this morning and proceeded to the Palawan Sports Complex where Hagedorn showed a video presentation proving the ill effects and the early warning signs of a global climate change.

After the sound of a “tambuli” was heard, she took the first step of the journey that will last for five days. She took a leave of absence from her regular work at the provincial government in order to experience and give meaning to her “longest walk on earth.”

Underground River, also known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. The city government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992.

“Underground River is a masterpiece and a gift from the Almighty. This is a true Philippine pride. Visitors from all around the world rushed to see for themselves the marvel of nature. They all suggest that we should conserve this natural park,” the city mayor said.

According to Felisa Torres of the City Tourism Council, Puerto Princesa is experiencing an unprecedented influx of tourists in Underground River. “We have no more lean season. Pick season happens everyday after this natural attraction topped the first round of the global search,” said Torres.

Visitors logbook at the arrival area in Sabang shows one thousand visitors enter the cave everyday. It is reputed to be the world’s longest navigable underground river at 8.2 kilometers with a limestone karst mountain landscape.

Hagedorn is hoping the Underground River will maintain its current rank in the second phase of the online voting in the global search for the new Seven Wonders of Nature. He also requested assistance from the Department of Tourism that would support the candidacy of the river.
“Filipinos should be aware that there is an ongoing online voting where our very own natural heritage is at stake. Please help us in the campaign,” Hagedorn said. (PNA)