Cebu Ocean Park to open in August

CEBU, Philippines — Believing it will bring in more tourists to Cebu, Mayor Edgardo Labella welcomed the scheduled opening of the city’s newest attraction, Cebu Ocean Park, next month.

The one-hectare Cebu Ocean Park is said to be the first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment facility in the Visayas and Mindanao region, housing marine creatures indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Labella met with the park’s management yesterday.

“There will be a corollary effect, an economic effect to the city since there will be more people coming from the Visayan islands, northern Mindanao,” the mayor told reporters.

The mayor said other industries like transport and hotels will also benefit from the opening of the Ocean Park.

Labella said he has asked the park management to prioritize hiring of Cebu City residents. The park needs up to 300 workers. Animal handlers will also come from Cebu.

The Ocean Park will have an Oceanarium that will feature an acrylic enclosure allowing for a 360 degree view of the main lagoon, Stingray Encounters, Sea Lion and Bird Shows, and Penguin, Jellies and Insect Exhibits.

“Very encouraging considering that this Ocean Park that they will be establishing is four times bigger and better than the one in Manila,” Labella said.

Construction of the ocean park started in February 2016.

Labella said he has instructed Architect Florante Catalan, the head of Office of the Building Official, to give the necessary permits for the park within a day if all requirements are complied with.

The park management has reportedly tied up with the Department of Education so that students can visit the facility.

“They executed agreement with DepEd Cebu that there would be modules for public schools, and private schools to make the students aware that we do not just take for granted animals and you have to take care of them…very encouraging because it’s not just for mere entertainment value but also for education purposes with our students, young people in Cebu City,” Labella said.

The Cebu Ocean Park stands on an area owned by SM Supermalls, which is being leased to Cebu Sealife Inc., the group that opened the ocean park in Manila. — JMO (FREEMAN)