BACOLOD, Philippines – In a world that often stifles the creativity of the less fortunate, Ceejay Faala, a 21-year-old science student from Negros Occidental, has managed to break through using little more than an empty highlighter and a desire to explore the unseen. He created something born out of necessity and ingenuity. Using a discarded highlighter, Faala developed a pen-sized digital microscope, which he named the “penroscope.
” Faala, from Barangay Bagroy in Binalbagan, fashioned the “penroscope,” a device just 9×3 centimeters in size. Though small, it represents a larger idea: that innovation isn’t exclusive to the well-funded or privileged but belongs to anyone with curiosity and determination. The name “penroscope” is a portmanteau of “pen” and “microscope.
” The compact digital microscope, made from recycled materials salvaged from discarded electronics, can help in scientific observation, particularly in resource-limited schools. The idea of a mini-microscope isn’t new though. Several compact, low-cost microscopes have been created, such as the foldscope, a paper-based microscope; smartphone microscopes that use clip-on lenses; and miniature digital microscopes that connect to devices.
Faala’s work, however, stands out because it uses discarded electronics and is designed to be more affordable for underfunded schools. As a 3rd-year student at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Faala always wanted a microscope, but the cost .
