It’s been 5 months since you last heard from us about the controversial project of Viacom International Media Networks of building a Nickelodeon theme park in Coron, Palawan, and guess what? We still think it’s a bad idea.
Last Thursday the secretary of The Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that the project will “push through” despite the backlash from the general public. Her reasoning: the project will not harm the coral reef because they will be building condos on the surrounding land and a floating restaurant and hotel, rather than the popularly speculated underwater theme park. Sounds fishy.
Yesterday, environmental groups like Greenpeace Philippines, Environmental Legal Assistance Center and Save Philippine Seas together with local academe sent out a letter protesting against it. The letter cites the Tourism Act of 2009 and stresses how, “The DOT cannot promote a project that destroys the very attraction you are promoting, which is the beauty of the healthy marine ecosystem of Coron, among others.” As well as mentioning how Teo has been endorsing the project, claiming that Coral World Philippines (CWP) has assured her no damage, when in fact it’s been four months since the CWP has promised to show the master plan to the public that ensures the safety of the reef.
You’re probably thinking how a theme park could bring so much fuss, but is it really worth destroying our marine life for entertainment’s sake?
That’s a hard no from us.
If you agree, you can do your part by signing the on-going petition here.