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| (Image Source: Department Of Science And Technology-Science & Technology Information Institute) |
To inspire learners to learn more about rich biodiversity of Siargao Island, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) developed “Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle”, an offline Android smartphone game similar to one of the most played mobile games, Candy Crush, but introduces new animal species, instead, on specific levels. Each level is an idle and visual way to understand the habitat and behavior of Siargao’s natural treasures like Mindanao Flying Tree, Paka Gadikit, and Platymantis Paka through the app feature called, “Siargao Journal".
“Let us explore Siargao Island through this game app, especially for our children, and learn more about the types of plants and animals that continue to thrive in Siargao’s rich biodiversity,” said Surigao del Norte 1st Congressional District Representative Hon. Francisco Jose Matugas II who endorsed the game application to parents and children. Congressman Matugas emphasized that the game app is a fun, safe, and educational tool for learning about the island’s natural species. The project, funded by the NCRP, involved environmental researchers led by Dr. Cecilia Banag-Moran who conducted research, assessment, inventory, and a biological field survey of the Mangrove Forest in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.
"Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle" is available to download for free on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ph.gov.dost.nrcp.sffpuzzlegame.The success of the game underscores the positive impact of the DOST-NRCP’s initiatives in promoting basic research nationwide. Local leaders and members of the lower house are increasingly recognizing the value of evidence-based research studies in shaping policies and crafting legislation. Senator Francis N. Tolentino, at the 2024 DOST budget deliberation, emphasized that the wealth of scientific research and data from the DOST needs to be actively applied by other government agencies to improve their respective services.
Looking ahead, researchers, scientists, engineers, policymakers, scholars, academicians, entrepreneurs, technology enthusiasts, and government officials will gather in the 2024 Annual Scientific Conference and the 91st NRCP General Assembly scheduled to be held on March 12, 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. For more information about the 2024 NRCP General Membership Assembly at PICC, please visit the official website and Facebook page of the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines.
(With words by Glenn Ford B. Tolentino, DOST-S&T Media Service)
