As part of the University of the Philippines’ continuing partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc. (TMPF), UP is developing a screen share game about different marine species of the Philippines to highlight the rich marine biodiversity in the country and the need for biodiversity conservation.
The global center of marine biodiversity is located in the Verde Island Passage (VIP), Philippines. The VIP is the body of water between Batangas and Mindoro, distinguished by having the highest concentration of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, seagrasses, and mangroves. Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences make it a point to schedule an expedition to the VIP every year even during the pandemic, because they discover new species each and every time.
The VIP is also home to endangered and threatened species, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams. This makes it an ideal site for globally strengthening the conservation of endangered species.
The anticipated UP Puerto Galera Biodiversity Center will have a program focused on science communication and environmental education to protect the VIP. As one of its first projects, UP, in partnership with TMPF and local game design studio Balangay Entertainment, will be designing a screen share game to introduce our iconic marine species to Filipinos.
“We all know the animals from the African safari, but most of us have not been introduced to the species that live in our own oceans. Hopefully, through this game, people will get to know the animals and plants that live in our waters and discover pride in the beauty and richness of our biodiversity,” says Aletta Yñiguez, Chair of the UP Puerto Galera Center Committee and Associate Professor at the UP Marine Science Institute.
“Our partnership with UP fulfills our mutual objective of promoting harmony with nature towards biodiversity conservation. Awareness is the first step in protecting and conserving our endangered species,” says Ronald Gaspar, TMPF Assistant Vice President and Operations Manager.
“Because of the pandemic, it’s been harder for us to connect with our loved ones. Through this game, we want to create fun experiences you can share with your friends and family. We hope that the players will get to know more about themselves, about each other, but most importantly, about the flora and fauna that live in the Philippine seas,” says Nico Valdez, game designer and president of Balangay Entertainment.
The design and development of the game is currently underway. The game is set to launch in October 2021.
For more information, please email Raising Initiatives and Consciousness for Healthy Oceans (RICH Oceans) Project Education and Outreach Program Officer Aya Cariño-Valdez at bcvaldez@msi.upd.edu.ph.