The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) wrapped up its fourth day of Science and Technology Week with the groundbreaking event “Salinlohiya” on December 1, 2023, at the Ramon Ang Auditorium, Henry Sy Sr.   Medical Sciences Building. Salinlohiya, a fusion of the Filipino terms “pagsasalin” and “teknolohiya,” served as a platform to showcase the university’s intellectual properties (IP) and foster collaboration with inventors to shape the future of health technology.

In her message, Dr. Lourdes Marie S. Tejero, Director of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) touted UP Manila’s remarkable progress, even during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Presently, UP Manila boasts over 100 innovation disclosures, with more than 50 patent applications and 12 patents already granted. Notably, nine of these IPs have been successfully commercialized, and the university holds 36 active license agreements, a feat uncommon not only in the Philippines but globally. Collaborating with 18 institutions and companies, UP Manila’s TTBDO received the prestigious Platinum Award from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022—a commendable achievement amid the pandemic.

In his address, Chancellor Michael L. Tee stressed the importance of collaborative efforts at UP Manila, stating, “As a Health Sciences Center of the Philippines, we need to work together to improve the health of the Filipino.” He shared a noteworthy example of a model of academic-to-industry partnership wherein a collaboration between TTBDO, Pascual Laboratories, the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), and the Institute of Herbal Medicine, resulted to the development and marketing of Lagundi and Sambong tablets by UP Manila. Chancellor Tee emphasized the empowering impact on the community within the supply chain, using the Lagundi tablet as an example to illustrate how technology transfer can empower farmers, improve their livelihoods, and benefit the entire municipality involved in the activity.

Salinlohiya provided a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with inventors, explore the innovative process, and gain insights into the future of health technology. During the elevator pitching session, various presenters showcased several innovative projects:

Tsaang Gubat Syrup for Gastrointestinal Colic/Pain Secondary to Acute Gastroenteritis: Dr. Jaime M. Purificacion presented an herbal remedy for pediatric patients addressing gastrointestinal colic/pain secondary to acute gastroenteritis.

Ampalaya Tablet: Dr. Jaime M. Purificacion presented an Ampalaya Tablet as an effective solution for reducing fasting plasma glucose, addressing diabetes.

Lupus Genetics Markers: Dr. Michael L. Tee introduced a genetic test predicting an 80% susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

DEFA1 and CFI Marker as Leptospirosis Prognosticator: Dr. John Paul S. Tosoc unveiled a technology predicting early complications of leptospirosis, offering a vital tool for healthcare systems.

RxBox: Dr. Geohari Hamoy presented a Filipino-made medical diagnostic system for remote patient monitoring.

DISSECT: Dr. Rafael C. Bundoc introduced DISSECT, a cost-effective solution for anatomy education.

Ergonomic Spine Rongeur: Dr. Bundoc unveiled an ergonomic redesign of spine rongeurs for surgical precision and comfort.

Axel Virtual Care: Prof. Maria Eliza R. Aguila, Dean of the College of Allied Medical Professions, presented Axel Virtual Care, seeking funding to transform rehabilitation through immersive virtual reality games.

ETox NPS & PHX: Dr. Ailyn M. Yabes introduced E-TOX, a rapid point-of-care testing solution for emergency toxicology.

During the panel discussions on Government Support and Commercialization Challenges, key officials from partner agencies stressed the critical role of fostering innovation. Ms. Diane Gail Maharjan of the National Economic and Development Authority highlighted the imperative of cultivating a culture of innovation, while Ms. Sandra Marie S. Recolizado of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided insights into their agency’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Industrial strategy. 

Ms. Eileen P. Llantos of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines emphasized the pivotal role of intellectual property in propelling economic progress, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Raul V. Destura, Founder & CEO of Manila HealthTek, Inc., underscored the centrality of innovation and people to their organizational ethos. He outlined key research and development strategies, including workforce diversification, promoting innovation in diagnostics and medical devices, fostering global partnerships, and collaborating with academic partners for technology transfer.

Dr. Tan Cher Sen Alan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Republic Healthcare Holdings Singapore, emphasized the opportunity in exploring public-private partnerships.

Dr. Luis G. Sison, Director of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office of the UP System, focused on ensuring seamless technology transfer from academia to end-users.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio, Vice Chancellor for Research, expressed gratitude for the successful Salinlohiya event, emphasizing its impact on showcasing health innovations and highlighting the importance of technology transfer in advancing research.

As Science and Technology Week concluded, “Salinlohiya” demonstrated UP Manila’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and addressing health challenges through research and intellectual property advancements. The event exemplified UP Manila’s dedication to making knowledge accessible and engaging for a broader audience. #

Charmaine A. Lingdas