DOT ‘excited’ over Nickelodeon theme park in Coron

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is "excited" about Nickelodeon's plan to build an underwater resort and theme park that expected to attract more tourists to Coron in Palawan.

"The Department of Tourism is aware of the planned Coral World Park in Coron. From a tourism perspective, the DOT is excited about the idea because this would attract both local and foreign tourists," Secretary Wanda Teo said in a statement.

However, Teo could not speak regarding the approval of the project.

"But with regard to the approval of such a concept, the DOT would properly refer the matter to the appropriate agencies that can evaluate and decide on it," Teo said.

Such a project would need an environmental clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In January, Viacom International Media Networks, the parent company of Nickelodeon said that the park on Palawan island would be part of a 400-hectare undersea development showcasing the area's marine life that would give fans a chance to "interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love."

Meanwhile, Teo in an interview on CNN Philippines' The Source, confirmed that Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., the resort developer will push through with its theme park project in Coron despite criticisms from environmentalists.

An online campaign opposing the proposed underwater project was created following reports on it.

Save the Philippines Executive Director and Co-Founder Anna Oposa led the campaign called #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom, which was posted on her Facebook account and on Bataris website.

The hashtag refers to the home of TV cartoon character Sponge Bob, one of the characters featured on Nickelodeon.

In the campaign, which is addressed to the local government of Palawan, Nickelodeon (Viacom International Media Networks), and Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., the complainants are asking the companies to "junk their plan to build a 400-hectare underwater theme park in Coron, Palawan."

GMA News Online tried to get a comment from the DENR but officials have yet to reply. —NB, GMA News