MANILA -- The KidZania Manila theme park will cease operations given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Play Innovations Inc. said KidZania Manila will permanently close effective August 31, 2020, according to a statement released by ABS-CBN on Wednesday.

The franchisee is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN.

"With the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing community quarantine, we have complied and suspended operations to prevent the further spread of the virus, which resulted to a massive impact on our revenues. 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," the statement read.

"Our hearts go out to our employees. We are doing everything we can to aid them at this time of uncertainty," it added, citing KidZania Manila's efforts to pay out severance benefits and provide job placement programs.

KidZania Manila has been closed since March 11 in compliance with quarantines imposed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Launched in 2015, the theme park in Taguig is known for letting children take on different roles in real-life establishments.

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