For parents everywhere, a theme park that provides a learning experience is a dream come true, that’s why Kidzania Manila at BGC, Taguig has been a favorite hangout spot for families. The amusement facility for children has a wide range of role-playing activities with realistic backdrops and props housed in a kid-sized metro so they can get to live their dream jobs and learn the workarounds for a day. 

Unfortunately, with the shutdown of media giant ABS-CBN comes the decision for subsidiary company Play Innovations Inc. to permanently close down Kidzania Manila effective Aug. 31 in compliance with restrictions affecting citizens below 18 years old. 

In a statement released by Kidzania Manila, the company discloses the grim effects of the pandemic on its revenues and the safety of children outdoors regardless of quarantine measures to be imposed in September. “Even if we are allowed to operate in the future, the ‘new normal’ will prohibit mass gathering and require children to remain at home. These conditions have left us with no choice but to close the play city’s doors permanently,” it says. 

Acknowledging the greater impact of the closure on the people working behind the establishment, Kidzania Manila has mentioned a promise to provide severance benefits and job placement programs to tide displaced workers over the pandemic. The management has also expressed gratitude to industry partners, schools, and families for their trust over the years. 

To conclude the statement, Kidzania Manila says salute to the “Kals,” or the Generation Kidzania, “who have spent time with us with unrelenting passion and spirit, which we hope they will keep alive as they face the future and build a better world.”