Baguio City – July 29–31, 2025 — Two outstanding students from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing, Mr. Jhet Rick C. Calixto and Ms. Grazele Jay T. Mislay, proudly represented the college in Make-A-Thon 2025, a university-wide innovation sprint held at the UC Theater. The three-day event brought together multidisciplinary teams from various academic disciplines to conceptualize and develop innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ms. Mislay’s team proposed TuroAble, a flexible learning application tailored for out-of-school youth experiencing barriers such as financial constraints, work or family obligations, and limited access to formal education. Equipped with AI-powered chatbots, one-on-one tutor support, and multilingual lessons, TuroAble allows learners to study at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. The project addresses:
- Quality Education (SDG 4) by promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by reaching and empowering marginalized youth.
Mr. Calixto’s team developed Lifeband, an AI-enabled medical wristband designed for real-time health monitoring and emergency response. The device continuously tracks vital signs such as pulse rate and rhythm, detects abnormalities, and sends alerts to emergency contacts when necessary. It also stores essential patient data for rapid transfer to electronic medical records via NFC, QR codes, or Bluetooth technology. Lifeband aligns with:
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) by enhancing emergency care and continuous health monitoring.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) through the integration of artificial intelligence with healthcare technology.
Both nursing students made significant contributions to their teams by integrating nursing knowledge and practical healthcare perspectives into the design process. Notably, Mr. Calixto’s team earned the “Best in Pitch” award during the event’s culmination, recognizing their compelling presentation and innovative concept.
The participation of UC-CON students in Make-A-Thon 2025 underscores the college’s commitment to fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable solutions in addressing societal challenges.
