Every November 11, Puerto Princesa City marks more than a date on the calendar—it celebrates a story of perseverance, unity, and pride. From the early days of a local ordinance in 2014, authored by City Councilor Matthew Mendoza, the actor-turned-politician, to Presidential Proclamation 816 of President Noynoy Aquino declaring the date as “Puerto Princesa Underground River Day,” and later Presidential Proclamation 1059 making it a Special Non-Working Holiday—all of these were because the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, better known as the Underground River, was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.
PPUR, as it has come to be known, is a story of how a city’s natural treasure rose from obscurity to global acclaim. Credit goes to the drive of then Mayor Edward Hagedorn. “…Such recognition brought great honor and acclaim not only to the City of Puerto Princesa and the Province of Palawan but to the entire nation as well.” (Presidential Proclamation 816). Lest we forget, as early as 1999, PPUR had already been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This global achievement, while indeed a trophy to display, must also serve as a call to preserve, to educate, and to sustain.
The declaration of a special holiday helps ensure that this achievement is remembered not only with pride but with purpose. Its celebration must rekindle awareness of our shared responsibility to protect what has made Palawan the country’s “Last Ecological Frontier.” It is a day to look back at what we have accomplished—and to look forward to what we must still do. November 11 should not just be a day of remembrance but a day of recommitment—a time to renew our vows to the land and the waters that have given us so much. The Underground River should remind us that true wonder lies not only in nature’s beauty but in our capacity to live in harmony with it.
As I reflect on this natural marvel, my mind turns to my previous visit to Niagara Falls, that symbol of nature’s force on the U.S.-Canada border. The experience was thrilling and exciting—thunderously surreal, if I may say so.
Similar to Niagara, the Underground River has become a beacon for tourism. Its recognition brought global fame and opened doors for economic growth, community livelihood, and international appreciation. But it also brought new challenges—ones that mirror those faced by world-famous destinations. Niagara has long wrestled with the effects of commercialization: neon lights, hotels, and waves of tourists seeking spectacle. Puerto Princesa, by contrast, faces subtler but significant pressures. As more visitors arrive to see the river’s hidden chambers, the ecosystem faces strain. The challenge is to keep the wonder alive without letting it be consumed by its own fame.
This is where the spirit of the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival takes root. Formerly known as the PPUR Festival, it was renamed in 2018. Each year, the festival brings together environmental advocates, students, artists, local leaders, and indigenous communities to celebrate the life that thrives in Palawan’s forests, mountains, and seas. But beyond the parades, eco-fairs, and cultural shows lies a message: tourism may be vital to our economy, but it must not come at the cost of the environment that sustains it. Subaraw is a call to action—a reminder that conservation must be lived, not only commemorated.
Puerto Princesa has long prided itself on being “A City in a Forest.” It should not be a catchphrase. It should be a vision guiding policy, culture, and daily living. The slogan should reflect both identity and aspiration. Subaraw can embody this vision, showing that conservation can coexist with creativity and community spirit. The festival’s success should inspire every Palaweño to strengthen their commitment to sustainable tourism and responsible stewardship.
Returning to Niagara Falls, decades of unchecked development have dulled some of its natural charm. Bright lights and urban sprawl now surround what was once wilderness. Tourism provides prosperity, but it can also bring pressure. Puerto Princesa must not make that mistake. The challenge is clear: how do we protect what we promote?
Our Underground River does not roar like Niagara; it whispers. It draws not with spectacle, but with serenity. It is a cathedral of stone and water that asks for reverence, not hubbub. And perhaps that is its greatest lesson: true wonder lies in balance—in celebrating nature without overwhelming it. Niagara may be thunder; the Underground River, a hymn. But both speak the same truth: nature’s power is timeless yet fragile. Our Underground River, quiet yet powerful, reminds us that the most meaningful applause for nature is not noise, but care.
Why should this day be a non-working day? The proclamation explains: “…it is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Puerto Princesa be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.” (Presidential Proclamation 1059)
Happy PPUR Day, everyone. Errr, Subaraw Day.
