From my Coron blog |
Sharing with you the press release from the Department of Tourism as of today.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) today categorically denies that it has approved plans for the construction of a Nickelodeon theme park in Palawan, as it reiterates that such a facility would first have to gain crucial approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Palawan local government.
In a press statement from Japan where she is heading a 70-man private sector delegation to promote Philippine tourism, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo assured the Haribon Foundation and other environmental groups that the protection and enhancement of the environment will always be a paramount concern of the DOT.
Secretary Teo reiterated that her initial positive response on the plan of a proposed Nickelodeon theme park was part of her job to encourage investment in new Philippine tourism projects, but she stressed that this did not at all signify that she was throwing her support behind the project.
“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. The primary agencies to determine this are the DENR and the Palawan local governments, and we will defer to their assessment,” said Teo.
Secretary Teo assured environmental groups of the DOT’s full support for tourism projects designed to protect and enhance the environment, as embodied in its six-year tourism development program approved by Malacanang recently.
“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.
In a press conference last Friday in Puerto Princesa, Governor Jose Alvarez expressed his concerns about the said theme park.
“Forget what Nickelodeon is saying because they are just teasing your imagination. There is no such plan. There is no application. And beside they will not be allowed to construct underwater. Is it very clear?” Alvarez said.
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