The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) featured i-SULAT, a handwriting analysis tool developed by the University of Santo Tomas (UST), during a press conference held recently.
i-SULAT, which stands for Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment and Testing, is a software-based system that provides automated and consistent handwriting assessments. It is designed to support early childhood development by identifying handwriting proficiency, which is linked to learning progress and brain health.
The tool is particularly helpful in places with limited access to occupational therapists. It also has potential uses in stroke recovery, diagnosing learning disabilities, and detecting neurological conditions.
“Through science, technology, and innovation, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier Philippines,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.
In 2024, DOST announced that it had allocated ₱3.2 million to fund the i-SULAT project, as part of its initiatives.
Other tech tools for therapy and monitoring
The event also showcased the Immersive Gamification Technology Systems (ImGTS), which includes two digital tools. One supports therapy for children with cerebral palsy, while the other helps manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Both tools are in Phase 2 of clinical trials and are being studied for their safety, usability, and effectiveness.
Another featured project was HealthPH from the National University of Manila. This digital tool uses machine learning to monitor respiratory illness trends by analyzing public social media posts in English, Filipino, and Cebuano. In partnership with local governments across the country, HealthPH helps improve public health response and outbreak detection.
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