The current COVID-19 pandemic has prompted libraries and museums in the Philippines to step up. Now, museums offer virtual tours and look for creative ways to disseminate information to educate us – and that’s exactly what the National Museum is doing. One of their efforts during the lockdown include these color-by-number pages that show the Philippine’s exceptional biodiversity. 

May 22 is actually the International Day for Biological Diversity. The UN proclaimed this in 1993 to raise awareness to the threats that affect it. Well, one great way to celebrate this day is through these coloring sheets that you can fill in at home. The National Museum features the different species in our country in these sheets and provides fun facts, as well. Check them out:

“We aim to feature as many species from as many ecosystems as possible to appeal to different people with varied interests. We hope that this simple activity will help people to entertain themselves while in quarantine, tap into their creative energies, and ultimately gain greater appreciation of our country’s rich biodiversity”

Photo and Quote by Aissa Domingo, Artist Illustrator at the National Museum of Natural History 

The National Museum of the Philippines also released other coloring sheet themes ranging from art to traditional clothing, which are also available on their social media pages to keep you busy (and learning) during the quarantine. Coloring’s beneficial for both kids and adults as it reduces stress and anxiety, improves hand-to-eye coordination, and stimulates creativity. Don’t forget to share your works online by using the hashtags #ColorPhFaunaByNumber, #MuseumFromHome and #NationalMuseumPH