Google features Phl’s marine biodiversity

MANILA, Philippines — Departing from previous designs that featured heraldic symbols such as the flag’s sun and the stars, technology giant Google celebrated Philippine Independence Day with a doodle featuring the country’s rich marine biodiversity.

The doodle, which is accessible to Google users in the Philippines, replaced the company’s logo on its home page on Tuesday. Users who click the image are directed to search results for Philippine Independence Day.

The image shows an underwater scene featuring marine life, including corals, plants and various types of animals.

Google has not released an explanation for the choice of design.

However, several netizens noted that the company appeared to be alluding to the country’s territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.

Last year, Google featured a design illustrated by Filipino artist Dan Matutina for its Philippine Independence Day doodle.

The design shows the sun rising behind islands, with a group of people gathered for a traditional flag-raising ceremony at the foreground.

Previous designs also featured the Philippine jeepney, the Aguinaldo shrine in Kawit, Cavite and various depictions of the Google logo using colors and symbols from the Philippine flag, anniversaries and lives of famous people.

“A group of Googlers get together regularly to brainstorm and decide which events will be celebrated with a doodle. The ideas for the doodles come from numerous sources including Googlers and Google users,” said the company.

“The doodle selection process aims to celebrate interesting events and anniversaries that reflect Google’s personality and love for innovation,” it added.

Recent Philippine doodles include the celebration of Children’s Day on June 1 and the 108th birth anniversary of National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio on April 30.