(Infographics courtesy of Manila City Hall Reporters Association)
MANILA – The Manila City government has introduced an innovative way to raise awareness on measures against dengue fever among its residents.
In a statement Friday, Mayor Honey Lacuna urged the residents to play the "Kapitan Ligtas: Dengue Fighter", a mobile game that can be downloaded via Google Play store for free.
The mobile app was introduced in view of the city's observance of the "Dengue Awareness Month", led by the Manila Health Department (MHD).
Kapitan Ligtas is the MHD's mascot who educates the residents on how to keep various illnesses at bay and what to do in case they get sick.
Lacuna said the launch of the game is timely since most Filipinos spend long hours in using their mobile phones and the rainy season has started, which often sees a rise in dengue cases.
She said the mobile app was designed to draw the interest of the public, epecially childrens who are most prone to dengue due to unintended carelessness.
"Para din po sa mga anak at apo kasi very educational ang laro o app na ito, kung saan makikita po kung paano nilalabanan ni Kapitan Ligtas ang lamok na may dalang dengue (This is for our children and grandchildren because this game or app is very educational. Here, we will see how Kapitan Ligtas fights mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus)," she said.
The game is a brainchild of MHD chief Dr. Arnold Pangan, to draw the interest of the citizens of Manila, especially the youngsters.
Pangan said the app is only available in Android phones. It will soon be available to iPhone users.
"Samahan ninyo si 'Kapitan Ligtas' sa sukdulang labanan laban sa dengue. Pinagsasama ng kapana-panabik na offline na larong ito ang puno ng aksyon na may mahalagang pang-edukasyon na nilalaman upang matulungan kang matutunan kung paano pigilan ang pagkalat ng dengue (Let us join Kapitan Ligtas in the crucial fight against dengue. This offline game combines action and educational information on which would help you fight the spread of dengue)," Pangan said. (PNA)
