The Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST PCHRD) featured a USC-led research project during a Health Research and Technology (HeaRT) Report earlier today, July 29, 2022, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City. 

The “low-cost ventilation system” project is spearheaded by USC School of Engineering researchers, who are adapting the technology for a tropical setting. The system is intended for use in classrooms and offices. (Read related story.) DOST PCHRD is providing funding for the project.

The symposium was opened by a welcome message by Engr. Tristan L. Abando (DOST RO7 Provincial Science and Technology Director) on behalf of Regional Director Engr. Jesus F. Zamora Jr. 

This was followed by opening remarks by Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (DOST PCHRD Executive Director), who attended the event in person (see photo below). Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. (DOST OIC and Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services) delivered his message via Zoom during the blended symposium.

Engr. Earl Ray Aniñon (Department of Mechanical Engineering) presented results from initial simulations for one prototype installed in the Fr. Lawrence Bunzel Building in Talamban Campus. Another prototype with a different design is ready for testing at the Fr. Robert Hoeppener Building as soon as classes start.

Dr. Francis L. Mayo (Department of Industrial Engineering) also presented plans to evaluate the level of comfort of the ventilation system by assessing several human and environmental factors.

The HeaRT Report included a keynote speech from Dr. Frank Helleis (Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany), who designed the ventilation system. Speaking live via Zoom in the early morning hours in Germany, Dr. Helleis stressed the need for testing the system in a tropical environment such as the Philippines.

The USC research team also brought a scale model (see photo above) of the two ventilation designs as well as the exhaust fan and the low-cost materials, which was exhibited to the on-site participants. The team also received valuable feedback from experts from the Department of Health, Department of Education, and the Ateneo de Manila University.

Representing USC in the event were Dr. Patrick John Y. Lim (Director, Research, Development, Extension, and Publications Office), Dr. Michael Loretero (Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Edward Querikiol (Project Leader, Low-cost ventilation system project), and Dr. Lorafe Lozano (Program Leader, USC Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies).