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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Discover Siargao's wonders: Dive into biodiversity with this playful learning app

Discover Siargao's wonders: Dive into biodiversity with this playful learning app

Published Feb 3, 2024 06:38 am

Looking for an entertaining and informative way to discover the beauty of Siargao Island?

Look no further! The Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) has developed a mobile application named "Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle."

Siargao-Flora-Fauna app.avif
Photo from DOST

The island of Siargao has been designated as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) due to its rich biodiversity, including a vast expanse of mangrove forests.

DOST, in a statement on Saturday, Feb. 3, explained that the app was inspired by the popular game Candy Crush — offering challenging puzzles to engage with Siargao's unique animals and plants even offline.

Within the app, DOST said that each level unlocks fascinating facts. For example, players will learn about creatures such as the Mindanao Flying Tree and Paka Gadikit.

Promoting Siargao's diversity

The project was funded by the NCRP, a team of 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.

Their study revealed the existence of remarkable plant and beach forest species, as well as potential new species of frog, rat, tarsier, insects, marine fish, and decapod crustaceans.

The team logged approximately 110 species of plants and 403 species of animals from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2021/02/01/siargao-home-to-hundreds-of-flora-and-fauna-dost-national-research-council/

Considering this, the DOST came up with the app which is an interactive way to make people enjoy their travels and be entertained at the same time.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 1st Congressional District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II recommended the application to allow children and parents to explore Siargao Island in a very entertaining way.

He emphasized that the app helps people, especially children, to learn about the diverse plants and animals that thrive in the island's rich biodiversity.

“Through this game app, children will learn about the flora and fauna species found in Siargao Island,” he said.

He then encouraged parents to introduce this game app to their children, highlighting its fun and engaging approach to learning about the island's rich biodiversity.

Related Tags

department of science and technology - national research council of the philippines (DOST-NRCP)
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