Ceejay Faala, a junior Secondary Education major in Science at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Binalbagan Campus in Negros Occidental, has achieved international recognition for his invention, the pen-sized digital “pencroscope.”
Faala designed the pencroscope, a pen-sized digital microscope made from recycled materials, to address the lack of affordable instruments in biology classes.
The project has earned a spot as a finalist in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025.
His project, titled “Learning with Innovated Microscope: Addressing Instrument Gap in Biology Class,” made it to the shortlist for the Research Project of the Year: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) category.
The winners, meanwhile, will receive their awards during a ceremony on April 22 in Macau.
Expressing his gratitude on Facebook, Faala wrote, “I am deeply grateful to my mentors, research collaborators, and everyone who believed in the vision of the PENCROSCOPE. Moreover, this recognition inspires me to continue innovating and contributing to science and education.”
He added, “This proud moment for CHMSU and our community serves as a testament to how creativity, determination, and passion can make a mark in the global academic landscape. Ultimately, it drives us closer to a brighter future through research and innovation.”
Patent
Working alongside his research adviser, Alberto De la Cruz, Faala developed the pencroscope using recycled materials such as scrap electrical devices. Notably, the device connects to mobile phones and televisions, making it highly accessible, while also costing 10 times less than a standard microscope.
Currently, CHMSU is assisting Faala in preparing documents to file a patent for the pencroscope with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
Furthermore, the university takes pride in being the only Philippine institution shortlisted in the Research Project of the Year: STEM category, which features eight other universities from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Türkiye.
Best known for its World University Rankings, THE evaluates institutions globally based on teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.