On October 25, 2024, I attended a webinar titled “Smart Visionary: How Computer Vision is Revolutionizing Healthcare”, conducted via Microsoft Teams and organized by the 4th-year BS Computer Science students from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of West Visayas State University (WVSU). The keynote speaker, Assoc. Prof. Cinmayii G. Manliguez, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science at the University of the Philippines Mindanao and Project Leader of the PASYENTE Project for Dengue, discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly computer vision, is transforming the healthcare industry through improved diagnostics, enhanced patient care, and optimized service delivery. The PASYENTE Project, funded by DOST-PCHRD, served as a compelling example of how local AI initiatives can significantly impact public health.
The webinar deepened my understanding of how computer vision operates in medical contexts—such as detecting patterns in visual data to assist in diagnosing diseases. I learned about the crucial role of ethical considerations and the importance of high-quality datasets in developing AI tools for healthcare. Dr. Manliguez emphasized the integration of AI with patient-centered care, underlining the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and trustworthy systems.
These insights broadened my view of how AI can be applied beyond traditional tech fields, particularly in addressing healthcare challenges. It inspired me to explore the use of computer vision frameworks and tools, especially in projects that involve disease detection or patient record management. I am now more inclined to consider healthcare technology as a viable focus for future research or capstone projects.
The event was well-organized, with a clear presentation, smooth flow, and engaging moderation by the host students. The guest speaker effectively conveyed complex ideas, making the session accessible even to those with minimal background in AI or healthcare. The use of real-world case studies like the PASYENTE Project made the topic more relatable and grounded in local context.
For future improvements, adding an interactive Q&A segment midway through the session could enhance participant engagement and real-time clarification. Providing downloadable resources or a visual demo of the technology discussed—especially for visual topics like computer vision—would also enhance understanding and retention of key points.