Nickelodeon, Palawan
Photo by Arlene Paredes
FILE PHOTO: St. Paul National Park in Puerto Princesa, Palawan -- home of the world-famous Subterranean River.

Nickelodeon, the children’s TV network that brought “Spongebob Squarepants” and “Dora the Explorer” on television, has announced it would build an underwater resort and theme park in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Palawan. An online petition has been launched to oppose the plans. The announcement has alarmed environmentalists since the island is the Philippines’ ‘last ecological frontier.’ It has also caused quite a stir on Twitterverse.

Nickelodeon Theme Park In Palawan

According to AFP, Nickelodeon said the park which will be constructed on Palawan Island will be part of a 400-hectare development under the sea. This will showcase the area’s marine life which will give visitors a chance to “interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.”

Ron Johnson, an executive vice president with Viacom International Media Networks, which owns Nickelodeon, gave a statement via email to Agence France Presse (AFP) on Tuesday. Ron says the reason why Palawan was chosen for the development was because “it is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world today.”

On Monday, Viacom’s initial statement was the resort will open in 2020 and will also feature restaurants and lounges 20 feet below sea level. The statement further said this will “Advocate ocean protection.”

However, Greenpeace, an environment group thinks otherwise. The non-government organization says the development would destroy the area’s popular marine ecosystem. Vince Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia tells AFP,  “It’s sad and alarming because a theme park that big will not promote environmental protection by building those structures. Why build a viewing deck when you have the whole paradise to enjoy?”

In the report, Grizelda Mayo-Anda, Palawan-based environmental activist expressed her opinion and said, “I am wary because we have had problems already with resorts built in mangrove areas. I’m really concerned because sometimes, with all due respect to the local government unit, we get captivated by new projects and we do not judiciously study the impact.”

The report further said Viacom’s Philippine partner, Coral World Park, assured the public that the development will not hurt the environment. Paul Monozca, Chairman of Coral World tells AFP, “We are taking very, very careful measures to ensure that the biodiversity is kept intact.” Paul went on to say that the development will be part of a coral reef conservation program including a marine sanctuary for species like dolphins and sea cows.

Even as Nickelodeon has made the announcement, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development tells the media it has yet to be approved.

Nickelodeon in Palawan: Twitter Posts You Must See

The issue on building an underwater theme park in one of the finest islands of the Philippines has created quite a stir. There was a hashtag supporting the move to spare Palawan, #CornIsNotBikiniBottom. Bikini Bottom is the chartoon character Spongebob Squarepants home. There was also a petition that circulated online to move against the development. The hashtag became the second trending topic on Twitter. Here are some of the Twitter posts you must see.

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Fiona Abellera, a Mass Communication graduate, is PilipinasPopcorn's managing editor. She has been branching out in the media industry for a decade now. She previously worked in a local TV station as program manager. She has also produced, directed and written scripts for TV shows and news and commercials. She also managed an in-house radio station for a local university for almost 4 years. A musician by heart, Fiona used to be a guitarist/vocalist for a band. She plays the drums too. Offline, Fiona is a radio jock at Baguio City's 96.7 K-Lite as "Fiona Quinn."

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