30/05/2026
๐๐ก๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ง ๐ฃ๐จ๐๐ฆ๐ | AdZU establishes UP SIBOL partnership, immerses BME Juniors in R&D through internship
As biomedical engineering continues to expand beyond traditional hospital and clinical environments, the field increasingly encompasses research, innovation, and technology development aimed at advancing healthcare. Embracing this dimension of the profession, four of the 17 Biomedical Engineering juniors from Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) commenced their on-the-job training at the UP Surgical Innovation and BiOtechnology Laboratory (UP SIBOL) of the University of the Philippines Manila on May 25, 2026.
The internship opportunity stemmed from the efforts of the Biomedical Engineering Network of Integrated Clinical Sciences (BIONICS), which continually seeks avenues to broaden studentsโ understanding of the rapidly evolving biomedical engineering profession. Recognizing the potential of the field, BIONICS pursued collaborations that would expose students to these emerging areas of practice.
This initiative was made possible through the support and coordination of the AdZU College of Science, Information Technology, and Engineering (CSITE), particularly the Engineering Department under the leadership of its Chairperson, Engr. Janet G. Tan. Sharing a common vision of improving healthcare through innovation and locally developed medical technologies, AdZU and UP SIBOL established a partnership that provides students with meaningful opportunities to engage in biomedical research, design, and technology development beyond conventional clinical settings.
Upon their deployment, the student-interns were welcomed by Engr. Emmanuel John Ventosa, Science Research Specialist at UP SIBOL, who provided an overview of the laboratory's history, tracing its development from its establishment in December 2019 to its current role as a leading center for biomedical innovation in the country. He highlighted UP SIBOL's mission of developing locally designed and affordable healthcare technologies that address the needs of Filipino patients and healthcare professionals.
As the UP's center for surgical device innovation and biotechnology research, UP SIBOL serves as a collaborative platform where clinicians, engineers, researchers, and innovators work together to develop solutions for real-world healthcare challenges. The laboratory gained national recognition through its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the development of various medical technologies such as the SaniPod disinfection system, the UP SIBOL Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR), UP SIBOL Face Max, RxBox telehealth device, Echo On Sight, Prone Pillow Plus, and the E-Stethoscope.
Ventosa also emphasized the laboratory's continuing efforts in biomedical device development, surgical innovation, and healthcare technology research. Among these are the production of patient-specific 3D-printed anatomical models used for surgical planning, patient education, and medical training. Samples of these innovations, along with other technologies developed by the laboratory, are showcased within the Lim Ka Thong Makerspace, which serves as a hub for prototyping, collaboration, and innovation.
Following the orientation, the interns were given a guided tour of UP SIBOL's facilities, including the Administrative Office, Greenhouse, FARM, Nursery, and the Conversations Leading to Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC) Rooms. This provided students with a firsthand look at the multidisciplinary environment where biomedical technologies are conceptualized, designed, prototyped, and translated into practical healthcare solutions.
The AdZU quadruple joins fellow student-interns from Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), De La Salle University (DLSU), UP Diliman, and UP Manila during this training period, which provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary learning among aspiring innovators in the field of healthcare technology.
Over the course of the six-week internship, the students are expected to gain hands-on experience in key areas such as 3D printing, electronics, Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP), and Fusion-based medical modeling. Through these activities, the interns will develop practical competencies in innovation, design, and problem-solving while contributing to projects that aim to improve healthcare delivery through locally developed technologies.
Article by: Ma. Erika Dyan L. Rocabo and Adrian L. Revilla
Photo courtesy: Adrian L. Revilla