Research Management:

Prof. NILO T. BUGTAI, PhD

Full Professor
M.E.M. Department
De La Salle University
2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Philippines
 Biomedical Devices Innovation and
Research
Ongoing ProjectsinatDe La Salle University
BDI
 PROGRAM TITLE: Establishment of the
Institute of Biomedical Engineering and
Health Technologies (IBEHT)
Program Leader: Prof. NILO T. BUGTAI, PhD
Project Leader: Engr. MICHAEL V. MANGUERRA, MSc
Funding Agency: DOST-PCHRD
Project Duration: 36 months: FEBRUARY 2019 – JANUARY 2022
Implementing Agency: De La Salle University, Manila Philippines Health Research and
Development Consortium
Region IV-A

CURREN
• Draw together existing research universities and institutions with
T NEEDS
projects focusing on hospital equipment and biomedical devices
• Common service facilities and support on development
healthcare technology development • Enhance and strengthen biomedical device research and innovation

PURPOSE
• Platform for exchange of Information would through sharing of ideas, experience, and technical expertise
enable medical experts to provide immediate • Streamline and accelerate the product development process by
feedback to device developers during product providing specialized equipment and facility services to biomedical
development. device researchers
• Capacity building program as more experts • Promote collaborative, multi-department, interdisciplinary research
are needed in biomedical engineering research to projects as well as joint proposals for funding from external sources
start the local biomedical device industry • Enable the community with capacity building activities such as
trainings, workshops, seminars, and other events
CORE PROJECTS METHODOLOGY

Establishme
nt of the
IBEHT
Postgraduate Research Community
Scholarships Fellowships Development
Institute for
Biomedical
Engineering
and Health
Technologies
Component (IBEHT) PADAYON
and
Project: MSc in PhD in Senior Meetings, Trainings,
Pipelined
Capacity
Biomedical Early Career
Building for Biomedical Research Seminars, Conferences
R & D Projects
S&T Personnel Engineerin Engineering Researchers
Fellowships and Societies
g
 Team PADAYON

Prof. Nilo T. Bugtai, PhD Engr. Michael V. Manguerra, MSc

Program Leader Project Leader
Full Professor Assistant Professor
M.E.M. Department M.E.M. Department

Engr. Joshua R. Engr. Kimberly P. Vicmudo, Nikka Mae L.

Hernandez, ECE ECE Taniegra
Project Officer Project Officer Project Secretary
 Establishment
of the
What is IBEHT ?

IBEHT

Institute for
Biomedical
Engineering and
Health
Technologies
(IBEHT)
Component PADAYON Project:
and Capacity Building
Pipelined for S & T
R & D Projects Personnel
 ● A One-Stop-Shop for Information and Support
Infrastructure on Hospital Equipment and Biomedical
What is IBEHT ?

Devices in the Philippines

● A Lab-to-Market roadmap for projects under the
research area, Medical Products and Engineering to
be endorsed to DOST-PCHRD
● An Environment conducive for Hospital Equipment
and Biomedical Devices innovation and research
 ● Draw together existing research universities and
institutions with projects focusing on hospital equipment
What is IBEHT ?

and biomedical devices development

● Enhance and strengthen biomedical device research and
innovation through sharing of ideas, experience, and
technical expertise
● Streamline and accelerate the product development
process by providing specialized equipment and facility
services to biomedical device researchers
 ● Promote collaborative, multi-department,
interdisciplinary research projects as well as
What is IBEHT ?

joint proposals for funding from external

sources
● Enable the community with capacity building
activities such as trainings, workshops,
seminars, and other events
 AGAPAY Project: Robotic Exoskeletons for
Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
Project Leader: Prof. NILO T. BUGTAI, PhD Implementing Agency: De La Salle University, Manila Philippines
Lead Researcher: AIRA R. ONG, MSc | Engr. VOLTAIRE DUPO Cooperating Agency: Philippine General Hospital
Funding Agency: DOST-PCHRD Project Duration: 16 months: DECEMBER 2017 – APRIL 2019
Project Stage: PHASE 2 – Safety Tests and Preclinical Studies

PROBLEM SOLUTION / EXPECTED

The current design is a 12 degrees-of freedom (DOF) system OUTPUT completed the requirements for Phase 1 and is
The project successfully
that accounts for shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger movements. currently working on its Phase 2 with the following activities and deliverables:
An effective design requires the device to be reliable, user- • Reproduce three (3) replicates of the final design prototype and
friendly, safe to use and manufactured in a cost effective way. demonstrate the safety, feasibility and effectiveness
• Establish and develop protocols for the upper extremity robotic
The device is actuated using high power servo motors attached to
exoskeleton safety testing while taking into consideration existing
an adjustable frame. Real-time biofeedback system is integrated
international standards for its therapy program and individual
to record neuromuscular activity using surface electromyography
functions/exercises
(sEMG). The robotic exoskeleton arm can perform active and
• Produce a technical manual and user guide for potential users
passive motion exercises through gamification techniques using
• Perform safety tests on the prototypes based on the developed
integrated haptics and a graphical interface.
protocol and specified by the International Standards
METHODOLOG CONCEPTUAL
Y FRAMEWORK
 Team AGAPAY

Prof. Nilo T. Bugtai, PhD Jade Dungao, PhD Engr. Alexander Engr. Renann Engr. Michael Aira Patrice Engr. Voltaire
Project Leader Research Faculty Abad, MSc Baldovino, PhD Manguerra, MSc Ong, MSc Dupo, MSc
Full Professor Associate Professor Research Faculty Research Faculty Engineering Consultant Lead Researcher, P2 Lead Researcher, P2
M.E.M. Department Physics Department Assistant Professor Assistant Professor M.E.M. Department BS/MSc MfgE MSc ECE
E.C.E. Department M.E.M. Department

Arlyn Rascano Winny Paredes Annyssa Perez Carlos Cases Eldrich Valencerina Hanz Timbre Miguel Dungan
Project Secretary Research Associate Research Assistant Research Assistant Research Assistant Research Assistant Programmer
BS CT BS ECE BS ECE BS ECE BS ECE BS ECE BS CS

Francis Belista Vernicka Jose Alvin Christopher Jeremy Atty. Christopher Peter Tenido, MSc Paul Dominic
Research Assistant De Sagun Mojica, MD Constantino, MD Flordelis, MD Cruz, MA Baniqued, MSc
Technology
BS MEM-MR Research Medical Collaborator Medical Collaborator Medical Collaborator IP Account Manager Transfer Officer Lead Researcher, P1
Assistant UPM-PGH UPM-PGH UPM-PGH DIPO/DITO DITO MSc MfgE
BS MEM-BME
 ● The AGAPAY Exoskeleton is a 3D-printed wearable
robot that is biomimetically designed to account for all
AGAPAY Project

the movements of the upper extremity

● It shall provide post-stroke and injured patients with
high performance rehabilitation system that is
reliable, easy to operate, safe to use and affordable
 ● By successfully completing its Phase 1, the AGAPAY
Project commenced its Phase 2 last December 2017,
conducting safety tests and preclinical trials until April
AGAPAY Project

2019, and eventually moving forward with clinical trials

and manufacturing for its third and fourth phases,
respectively
 COST-EFFECTIVE | ALL-IN-ONE | 7-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM
ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON FOR UPPER LIMB STROKE AND INJURY REHABILITATION
AGAPAYProject
with Medical
Collaborators
from UPM-PGH
 LAPARA Project: Robotic Articulating
Laparoscopic Instrument
Project Leader: Prof. NILO T. BUGTAI, PhD Implementing Agency: De La Salle University, Manila Philippines
Lead Researcher: FRANCIS MUNSAYAC, JR. III, Cooperating Agency: St. Luke’s Medical Center | Adventist Medical Center Manila
Funding Agency: MSc Project Duration: 18 months: AUGUST 2018 – MARCH 2020
DOST-PCHRD Project Stage: PHASE 1 – Prototype Development and Safety Tests

PROBLEM SOLUTION / EXPECTED OUTPUT

The current design of manual laparoscopic devices inhibits the The project aims to fabricate prototypes that will improve maneuverability and
movement of the surgeon where the range of motion of the device ease of use for the surgeons by adding supplementary degrees of freedom.
is restricted to only two degrees of freedom. In addition, a typical Specifically, it aims to fabricate one (1) working prototype featuring the
surgical operation lasts for at least two hours. Studies have shown following:
that prolonged use of the manual laparoscopic tools can lead to • Capable of at least 4- Degree of Freedom
musculoskeletal injuries such as neuropathy and back pain. In • Shaft diameter of not more than 12 mm
contrast, robotic laparoscopic devices such as Da Vinci, • Capable of a grasping mechanism
compared to conventional laparoscopic tools, have proven • Test on a pig model
themselves by providing a better experience but at a higher cost. • Design of different end effectors for different surgical purposes
METHODOLOGY CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
 Team LAPARA

2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm

Prof. Nilo T. Bugtai, Jade Dungao, PhD Armyn Sy, PhD Roy Navea, PhD Luis Bañuelos, MSc Ray Sarmiento, MD Edwin De Asis, MD
Project Leader
PhD Research Faculty Research Faculty Research Faculty Research Faculty Medical Collaborator Medical Collaborator
Full Professor Physics M.E.M. Department E.C.E. Department M.E.M. Department St. Luke’s Medical Manila Adventist
M.E.M. Department Department Center Medical Center
Bonifacio Global City

2.5x3.5 cm https://www.facebook.com/jade.dungao
2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm

Francisco Francheska Chioson Engr. Fersen Jimenez Kean Tan Delfin Lindo
Munsayac Jr. III Research Associate Research Associate Research Associate Research Associate
Lead Researcher BS/MS MEM BS ECE BS MEM-BME BS/MS MEM
BS/MS MEM

2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm 2.5x3.5 cm

Maria Gezelle Tamayo Lea Alonzo Jolo Tolentino Kenbert Ting, MBA
Research Assistant Research Assistant IP Account
Project Secretary BS/MS MEM BS MEM Manager
DITO
 ● Manual Laparoscopic Tools are stressful to use and
creates awkward positions to operate.
LAPARA Project

● On the other hand Robotic Surgical systems available

are too expensive
● Da Vinci Surgical System, the most commercially used
around the world, is priced at Php 200M for its base
price and a yearly Php 7M PhP maintenance fee
● Only two hospitals have these, St. Luke’s Medical
Center and The Medical City
 ● LAPARA Project is a laparoscopic
instrument that aims to improve
LAPARA Project

maneuverability and ease of use for

surgeons while undergoing laparoscopic
surgery by incorporating joint
articulation, robotic arm control, haptic
and visual feedback, and an ergonomic
workstation
 Robotic Rehabilitation for the
Trunk and Lower Extremity
Project Leader: Prof. NILO T. BUGTAI, PhD Implementing Agency: De La Salle University, Manila Philippines
Lead Researcher: EDWIN D. SUBIDO, JR., MSc Cooperating Agency: De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute
Funding Agency: DOST-PCHRD Project Duration: 18 months: DECEMBER 2018 – MAY 2020
Project Stage: PHASE 1 – Prototype Development

PROBLEM SOLUTION / EXPECTED OUTPUT

Publications. Patents.
There is a lack of manpower (i.e. therapists) and equipment • At least two (2) conference papers • Patent Disclosures.
for lower limb rehabilitation in the Philippines that would Products. People Services.
cater to stroke patients. Currently, nearly every medical • One (1) working prototype (2 units) of a • This robotic device will be
center in the country who provides rehabilitation are doing rehabilitation device for the lower extremity managed by a medical
the traditional, manual therapy that is laborious, physically- with at least 5-dof and an Android-based professional who will be trained to
software for controlling the device operate the device.
demanding, and repetitive for the therapist especially with • A GUI-based gamification software for Places and Partnerships.
mobilizing (i.e. lifting, pulling, and pushing) patients who have rehabilitating patients • MOU with De La Salle Medical and
a motor grade of 0-2, other neurologic deficits, and other • Real-time database management and Health Sciences Institute,
deconditioned patients. monitoring of the patient’s data, and control Dasmarinas, Cavite
of the device via wireless communication

METHODOLGY CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
 Team TAYÔ

Prof. Nilo Bugtai, PhD Nicanor Roxas, Jr., PhD Armyn Sy, PhD Roy Navea, PhD Edwin Subido, Jr.
Project Leader Research Faculty Research Faculty Research Faculty Lead Researcher
Full Professor, MEM Associate Professor, MEM Associate Professor, MEM Associate Professor, ECE MSc MfgE

Julius Noel Banayo Heydee Ann Perez Amiel Adajar, MD Myrna Estrada, MD Atty. Christopher Cruz, MA
Research Associate Project Secretary Medical Collaborator Medical Collaborator IP Account Manager
BS ECE BS CRIM DLSMHSI DLSMHSI DITO

Kate Acosta Aldrin Tolentino Chyn Crisostomo Royce Val Malalis Romel Saysay
Research Assistant ResearchAssistant Research Assistant Research Assistant Research Assistant
BS/MS MEM BS/MS MEM BS/MS MEM BS/MS MEM BS/MS MEM
 ● According to a 2013 news report, there is a shortage of
physical therapists in the country (Jaymalin, 2013) which
highlights the need for alternative and more efficient
TAYÔ Project

options to conventional therapy

● The development of a robotic rehabilitation device for the
lower extremity would give significant benefits to its users
and adopters
● Since the proposed device can provide consistent,
recurring exercises, patients can expect decreased amount
of time to recover
 ● It will also utilize a smart device that
gives visual feedback and real-time data
TAYÔ Project

of their progress
● TAYO Project aims to develop a cost
effective, multi-functional robotic device
for early lower limb rehabilitation,
featuring at least 5 degrees of freedom to
restore a patients’ strength and needed
 2
Skills Needed For
Managing and Leading
to Success
 INTEGRITY

■ Walk the talk, lead by example.

■  A good leader not only does the right thing but is seen to be doing the
right thing.
■ Everyone can always write great things about your workplace ethics,
but your staff will pay much more attention if you lead by example
 INTEGRITY

■ At BDI,
 Team Building

■ Managers must pick the right people for the job

■ A good leader is able to build an inclusive workforce. And they don't
let personal feelings get in the way of supporting people and working
with them to get the job done.
■ At BDI, professionalism is held at the highest regard.
 Positivity

■ Managers need to be organisational champions

■ They need to be on board with the direction of the organization
■ Effective leaders encourage and support the company's decisions and
directions; they don't undermine them.
 Communication

■ To get the most out of their teams, managers must be able to clearly
communicate their goals and expectations.
■ A good manager ensures everyone knows what their role is, and
explains the expectations for that role.
■ Effective leaders encourage and support the company's decisions and
directions; they don't undermine them.
 Listening

■ Listening goes hand in hand with effective communication.

■ Managers need to really listen to their employees, not just hear what
they want to hear.
■ Listening is key to building relationships with employees, because it
lets them know they are valued. And encourages them to participate
and contribute.
 Emotional intelligence

■ Emotional intelligence is a skill that cannot be ignored

■ It's important to be able to recognize that things don't and won't always
go your way.
■ Emotionally fit leaders are able to manage their stress levels. They
don't take their emotions or frustrations out on their team.
■ Managers that are empathetic – who understand what makes their
employees tick – are able to motivate and inspire those employees
more effectively.
 Delegation

■ Learning to delegate tasks to the right employee or team is a key skill

for managers.
■ The more a leader takes on, the less they achieve because they are
stretched too thin.
■ Take a step back, figure out who the best person is for the job, and then
trust him or her to get it done.
 Decision-making

■ Managers need to be able to make the tough decisions – and quickly.

■ A lack of decisiveness leads to missed opportunities. And it's just as
important to make sure that once made, those decisions are then
implemented, and achieve the desired results.
■ If not, leaders mustn't be afraid to change course. Leadership is a series
of decisions, made with competence and confidence.
 Collaboration

■ It's imperative for today's organizations to share information across all

departments and levels.
■ Managers must be able to promote collaboration by unifying teams,
setting common goals and incentivizing collaborative working.
 Flexibility

■ No two people are the same – everyone has a different style of

working.
■ An essential skill for managers is the ability to adapt their management
style to the diverse needs within their team.
■ Managers need to be able to oversee an increasingly mobile team, with
more and more people choosing to work remotely.
 “Developing reliable, easy to operate, safe to
use and affordable biomedical devices
through the researches done by the
Filipinos for the Filipinos towards
a healthier Philippines”

“Creating new industries for biomedical devices

and hospital equipment in the Philippines”

~ Prof. Nilo T. Bugtai, PhD

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR
LISTENING!