Teo: DOT won't promote Nickelodeon theme park in Coron if it will destroy corals

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Sunday distanced itself from a more active part in the construction of the proposed Coral World Park in Coron, Palawan.

In an interview with Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson for the "DDS Podcast", Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo affirmed previous statements that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government units of Palawan will ultimately decide whether to accept or reject the project.

"We are only here to promote once ready na," Teo told Uson. "Once the destination is ready, 'pag okay na, andiyan na, tapos na, then i-pro-promote namin."

She admitted that she was impressed when DOT was shown a "concept" of the theme park last year.

"When I saw the project, napakaganda," she said.

Environmental groups on Wednesday reminded the DOT that of its mandate to "[p]romote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and ethically and socially equitable for local communities."

Teo clarified in her interview with Uson, "Kami naman, Mocha, kung talagang masisira ang kalikasan, hindi namin i-pro-promote, hindi kami papayag 'yan kasi isa sa mga adbokasiya namin ay i-promote ang lugar as long as walang masisirang kalikasan."

Teo said that they raised concerns about the corals in Coron, and the developers assured them that the reef will be safe as the structure would be "floating."

"Sabi ko, masisira ba ang corals because 'yong nabanggit sa akin is  masisira ang corals. Sabi nila, ma'am hindi po dahil 'yong restaurant and the hotels, floating 'yan. 'Yong corals, sa baba," she shared.

However, Save Philippine Seas, Greenpeace, and other groups continue to express apprehensions about the project as the developers have yet to disclose the location of the theme park or any other information about it.

Coral reef scientist Dr. Wilfredo "Al" Licuanan in an interview with GMA News Online on Wednesday pointed out Philippine reefs are already stressed and additional human activity would only add to the stress that is currently degrading it.

"[We] have to remember that aside from the large number of people living near the reefs, the Philippines is number three globally sa area ng reefs. Almost anything you do near a coastal impact will have an impact on reefs," he said.

Licuanan added that the Coral World Park would likely involve the construction of a causeway — "meaning tatambakan" — and this poor land management could lead to soil slipping into the water, which can destroy corals. —ALG, GMA News