Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr, University President. Dr. Estela Marie C. Tanchoco President – MCU – FDTMF Hospital, Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo, CESE, – CHED NCR Regional Director, Mr. Arthur Ng – MCU Board of Advisor, Dr. Alexander Co Abad – FDT SDA Awardee, Mrs. Patria M. Ng – FDT Trust Board Member, Mrs. Purificacion M. Echiverri – MCU FDTMF Hospital Administrator, Dr. Charmaine Marie M. Ng – MCU Research Strategist, Ms. Giandelu Carissa E. Santos – Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil V. Flores – Vice President for Academic Affairs, Atty. Juan Crisostomo M. Echiverri – MCU Executive Vice Chairman.
Manila Central University (MCU) honored a groundbreaking leap in Philippine science as Dr. Alexander Co Abad claimed the 2nd Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award (FDT-SDA) for his pioneering research on human-like robotic touch technology.
His award-winning study, Imitate, Integrate, Iterate, Innovate! (The Story of my Visuotactile Research), aims to uplift Filipino communities by expanding access to life-saving medical training through advanced robotics and haptic innovation.
At the heart of Dr. Abad’s work is HAPLOS, or Haptics Actuation and Perception using Light Optical Systems, a first-of-its-kind system that mimics skin-like tactile sensing. This technology allows robotic platforms to “feel” and interact with human soft tissue, enabling precise palpation for detecting lumps, nodules, and early signs of tumors. When combined with a VR-haptic training environment, HAPLOS provides an immersive, safe, and repeatable simulation for medical students and practitioners to refine their diagnostic skills.
Dr. Alexander Co Abad – FDT SDA Awardee.
Dr. Abad said the FDT-SDA recognition strengthens his drive to create technologies that genuinely serve people. He shared that innovations like HAPLOS can democratize medical learning, elevate healthcare delivery, and bring advanced diagnostic capabilities to underserved and rural areas across the Philippines.
MCU President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, Jr. emphasized that the FDT-SDA continues to spotlight Filipino discoveries that deliver tangible impact to society and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The award’s mission reflects the legacy of Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr., whose philosophy, In Scientia Solidaritas or Solidarity in Science, remains the guiding principle of MCU’s academic and research initiatives.
Held at the Helix Auditorium of MCU’s Learning Resource Center in Caloocan City, the ceremony showcased the university’s dedication to research excellence and its commitment to breakthroughs that elevate the lives of Filipino communities. It also served as a cornerstone event in MCU’s 121st anniversary celebration themed Transcend. Honoring. Innovating. Building.
The selection of finalists was led by Dr. Gaio T. Gonzalez (FDT-SDA Chairman), alongside Ms. Giandelu Carissa E. Santos, Dr. Irene Padron, Dr. Charmaine Marie M. Ng, Dean Ferdinand A. Mortel, Dean Karina Marie Batu-Villena, and Ms. Nieves Capili.
Through the FDT Scientific Discoverer Award, MCU strengthens its role as a champion for purposeful, human-centered scientific innovation. The award continues to inspire present and future Centralinos to pursue discoveries that uplift communities and advance national development.
For more information on MCU and the Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award, visit mcu.edu.ph.