October 28, 2025 | Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Bacolod City
As part of the three-day Handa Pilipinas 2025: Visayas Leg themed “Padayon Visayas: STI for Resilient, United, and Sustainable Visayas”, the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) held its 7th Regional Investors’ Forum and B2B, dubbed “Resilient Horizons: Advanced Technologies for Smarter and Sustainable Communities.”
The event, co-hosted by DOST Negros Island Region, ZenLabs, and the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas, brought together leaders, scientists, innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates from across the Philippines. The forum served as a vital platform for showcasing homegrown technologies designed to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and smart community development through innovation and collaboration.
Held at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bacolod City, the forum featured cutting-edge research presentations from some of the country’s leading scientific minds:
GUL:AI by Senior Research Scientist Nia Bernise F. Fabay
ASIMOV-HAWKS by Balik Scientist Dr. Jose Ildefonso U. Rubrico
CERV.AI and CerviQ by Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, Founder of End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization Inc. (ECCPOI)
NAIRA (iTanong) by Senior Research Scientist Elmer C. Peramo
SERVIS-STEER (ADVENTUS) by Ramon Vann Cleff B. Raro
Introducing Cerv.AI: Artificial Intelligence for Cervical Cancer Elimination
In his presentation, Dr. Jesus Randy Rivera, Founder and President of CerviQ, introduced Cerv.AI — a pioneering artificial intelligence system being developed by the DOST-ASTI Computer Software Division to assist in cervical cancer screening and early detection.
The Cerv.AI Project team includes:
Chief, Senior Research Scientist Joanne Syjuco
Project Chair S. Rox Avinante
Senior Research Scientists Jeff Aborot and Vannessa Osiana
Project Manager Ms. Rannie Rubillos
AI Research Specialist Mr. Toni Yenisei Castanares
Dr. Rivera emphasized that this innovation aims to bring accessible, efficient, and data-driven healthcare closer to underserved areas. He highlighted that 17% of the Philippines’ 42,000 barangays remain unserved or underserved, and that 60% of Filipinos die without ever being seen by a doctor — a staggering gap that technology can help address.
“With AI, immediate evaluation can reach even the most remote communities, prompting early detection, faster referrals, and potentially life-saving treatment,” said Dr. Rivera. “Cerv.AI is not just a technology — it’s a vision for equitable healthcare.”
Watch Presentation Below
Empowering Smarter, Healthier Communities Through Innovation
The 7th Regional Investors’ Forum showcased how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can power progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build resilient, smarter, and more inclusive communities.
Through platforms like Handa Pilipinas, DOST continues to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world application — inviting investors, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate in scaling impactful solutions such as Cerv.AI.
The CerviQ and DOST-ASTI partnership reflects a growing movement to harness Filipino ingenuity and AI technology in solving critical national health challenges — ultimately advancing the vision of a cervical cancer–free Philippines.
About the Event
The Handa Pilipinas 2025 – Visayas Leg is a three-day regional conference organized by DOST Negros Island Region in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. With its overarching theme “Padayon Visayas: STI for Resilient, United, and Sustainable Visayas”, the event underscores the vital role of science and innovation in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and community health.
Muchas Gracias!
The author extends his sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the ever-supportive and gracious Ms. Maria Irene S. Amatorio, from the Office of the Director, Technology Licensing Office (TLO), DOST-ASTI, for her steadfast guidance, encouragement, and invaluable support in advancing this innovation toward real-world application and impact.
