UP Cebu Bachelor of Science in Computer Science interns showcased virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) projects designed to advance science communication and immersive learning during their final presentation, “Spatial Shift: Immerse into the Next Generation of Computing,” held at the Immersive Science Communication Open Laboratory (ISCOLab) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) on July 29, 2026.
The presentation marked the culmination of the interns’ 240-hour on-the-job training at ISCOLab, where they developed immersive technology solutions addressing sustainability, education, and science communication. The event also served as the laboratory’s first official public activity.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) and Project Leader of ISCOLab, commended the interns for demonstrating creativity and innovation throughout their internship.
FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. kicks off the event with his opening remarks.
Joshua Alinsolorin, Trishia Mae Basmayor, Venice Trixel Caringal, Princess Jaena Marie De La Peña, Janna Alexa Gutierrez, and James Gabriel Elijah Ty presented their project, BinItBetter, a gamified VR application set in the UP OUverse, the virtual representation of the UPOU campus. The application encourages proper waste segregation by allowing users to collect scattered waste and dispose of it in the correct recycling bins while providing educational information on recyclable materials.
The six UP Cebu interns present their sustainability game as part of their training at ISCOLab.
“BinItBetter” hopes to mainstream sustainability through virtual worlds and immersive technology.
Beyond their group project, the interns also presented their individual immersive science communication prototypes covering topics such as sugarcane pest management, air pollution, musicology, hand tracking, history, emerging technologies, and semiconductor manufacturing.
The presentations were followed by an interactive research segment facilitated by Maria Andrea Bodaño, ISCOLab Project Technical Assistant. Through a focus group discussion, participants shared their experiences, needs, and perspectives on science communication and immersive technologies to help inform the laboratory’s future research initiatives.
Maria Andrea Bodaño of ISCOLab facilitates the event’s interactive research segment.
The hybrid event, hosted by Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene Clariño of FICS, was attended by Eric Hawkinson of the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, as well as partners from Chulalongkorn University, Metaverse Academic Nexus for Global Opportunities (MANGOs), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Onsite participants also explored and tested ISCOLab’s latest VR and AR innovations.
Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene Clariño of FICS moderates the interns’ culminating presentation.
As ISCOLab’s inaugural event, “Spatial Shift: Immerse into the Next Generation of Computing” reflects FICS’ dedication to fostering innovation in information and communication technologies that contribute to science communication and respond to evolving societal needs.
Guided by the UP Cebu interns and ISCOLab staff, the event attendees test the project’s AR and VR innovations.
Written by: Jian Martin Tenorio
Edited by: Asst. Prof. Shaira F. Tanay