(Eagle News) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday (June 28) denied that it had approved the plans for the construction of the Nickelodeon theme park in Palawan.
“We must see first if the project proponents can make good on their assurance to us that their project will not damage the environment, and that this will have a strong positive impact on the people of Palawan,” DOT chief Wanda Teo said in a statement.
“The primary agencies to determine this are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Palawan local government, and we will defer to their assessments,” she added.
Teo clarified that her initial positive response on the plan of a proposed Nickelodeon theme park was to encourage investments in new Philippine tourism projects.
Teo then assured the Haribon Environment and other environmental groups that the DOT’s main concern is the protection of the environment.
“We are supportive of new tourism projects that would make the Philippines more attractive to foreign tourists and provide new rest and recreation havens for Filipinos. But these new projects and even our existing tourism spots should be havens as well for all living creatures. And the natural beauty that attracts visitors in the first place should always be preserved,” said Secretary Teo.
Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa Governor Jose Alvarez also denied the construction of the theme park.
“Forget what Nickelodeon is saying because they are just teasing your imagination. There is no such plan. There is no application. And besides they will not be allowed to construct underwater. Is it very clear?” Alvarez said.