Students from eight health and non-health programs of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) developed technology-driven healthcare solutions and strengthened international academic collaboration during the PHOENIX Hub Healthcare Innovation Challenge, the flagship event of HealthForge 2026, organized by the Research Development and Innovation Center (RDIC) and the Pioneering Health Optimization, Engagement, and Novel Innovation Exchange (PHOENIX) Hub in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST–PCHRD).
Nine multidisciplinary teams named after Philippine bird species—Agila, Bakaw, Kanaway, Kulasisi, Kwago, Lawin, Punay, Sal-ing, and Tariktik—brought together students from the College of Business and Accountancy, College of Computer Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and the College of Arts and Sciences to develop innovative solutions addressing pressing healthcare challenges.
Prior to the five-day hackathon, participants completed a five-day training program on ideation, product design, valuation, intellectual property, and technology commercialization conducted by experts from the Department of Science and Technology–Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). Resource speakers Engr. Rozette Fabros, Engr. Stephanie Alves, Engr. Albert Paolo Bugayong, Carlo Jonas Carino, Wilter Japet Macalino, and Michael Viccil Junsay guided students in transforming concepts into viable healthcare innovations.
The competition concluded with a pitching session before judges representing DOST-ASTI, OLFU, IPOPHL, and RDIC, who evaluated the teams’ proposed solutions and provided recommendations for further development.
Forging Friendships Beyond Borders
HealthForge 2026 also marked a milestone in OLFU’s internationalization efforts with the participation of Burapha University (BUU), Thailand. The delegation, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornchai Jullamate, University Council Member and former Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, and Louela Acedera, Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee, included four nursing students and six faculty members.
The Thai nursing students joined Filipino teams throughout the hackathon, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and shared learning. Simultaneously, the visiting faculty participated in a five-day research creation workshop facilitated by RDIC researchers, producing four literature review papers through collaborative writing, mentoring, and scholarly discussions.
The initiative underscored the shared commitment of OLFU and Burapha University to advancing healthcare education, research, and innovation while strengthening institutional partnerships.
HealthForge 2026 was supported by Burapha University, DOST-ASTI, IPOPHL, and the DOST–PCHRD Intellectual Property and Technology Management (PCHRD-IPTM). The program culminated in the HealthForge 2026 Awarding Ceremonies and Partnership Soirée held on 14 July 2026, at the RISE Tower Assembly Hall of OLFU Valenzuela Campus.
Champions Take Flight
Team Sal-ing emerged as grand champion of the PHOENIX Hub Healthcare Innovation Challenge, receiving the P50,000 grand prize for BakUp, a vaccine tracking application designed to replace paper-based immunization cards with a secure digital platform. The team was composed of Joshua Jiem Cruz, Alexa Jai Acerden, Ken Royce Batan, Franchesca Anne Taquiqui, Kamal Jit Bhatti, Kristel Lazaro, and Pauleen Louise Opanda.
Team Kulasisi secured first runner-up and the P20,000 prize for its motion capture-based solution for remote physical therapy and rehabilitation assessment. The team members were Irene Nicole Atentar, Charlize Georgia Cruz, Rab Lenard Cruz, Alayssa Faith Rey, Venise Joy Tapales, Jenaea Louise Vasquez, Louisa Kerstine May Ortega, and Jiyisha Mae Dela Cruz.
Team Bakaw claimed second runner-up and P15,000 for its proposal on high-performance medical imaging. The team consisted of Carl John Calivo, Xanthel Tiffany Zenobia Samper, Claire Kyla Navon, Jan Mitzi De Regla, Daniel Supnet, and Ryo Ryka San Miguel.
Team Agila received third runner-up and P10,000 for its dengue surveillance innovation aimed at improving monitoring of mosquito-borne diseases. The team comprised Joshua Angelo Diamzon, Louigie Kyle Estanislao, Karl Anthony Formentera, Janna Luisa Malicsi, Brielle Ivan Pallera, Hannah Faith Talusan, and Eric Caesar Madriaga.
Completing the roster of winners was Team Lawin, named fourth runner-up and awarded P10,000 for its healthcare innovation addressing urban lifestyle diseases. The team was composed of Mikaela Siyang, Roselinda Jimenez, Gillian Alcantara, Victor Jaime Dela Cruz, and Emmanuel Desaca.
HealthForge 2026 underscored the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships in developing solutions to real-world healthcare challenges. Truly, this triumph is a testament to the program’s vision: Innovate. Collaborate. Transform Healthcare.
Story by Chloe Margalaux R. Villafuerte, RDIC Research Specialist
