Lagawan

The city government here has imposed a limit on the number of visitors that can enter the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) to protect its environment against degradation.

The City Information Office here said that since the PPSRNP became a popular nominee in the world search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature(N7W), the number of foreign and domestic tourists that visited the park has increased to around a thousand per day.

Information officer Al Roben Goh said that although the city government is thankful that there is a notable improvement in the tourism economy of Puerto Princesa, the safety and welfare of the environment of the park is also paramount.

“We have to mind the carrying capacity of the PPSRNP, or we might be putting its environment to unnecessary risks,” he said.

Since two months ago, only about 700 visitors are allowed to enter the underground river by the city.

Applying for all permits are now only under the PPSRNP management office located in the center of the town proper. Its extension office at Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan had been temporarily ordered to stop issuing permits to avoid conflict in schedules.

The PPSRNP, the Philippines’ official bet in the N7W, made it as a Top 28 finalist in the prestigious world search for the new wonders of nature.

Following its qualification in the third and final round, Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn had called on the Filipinos to vote again for the PPSRNP in an effort to make it as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. (PNA)