Making everyone a scientist
8500
+
Make-roscope kits distributed
100,000
+
repeated use by students
35
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Partner schools
Partnering with the best organizations
to provide access to science education!
Our Journey
2024
No Mountain High Enough
There are moments that truly restore your faith in humanity, and this was one of them. Straight from his flight from Cavite, Jeremy De Leon embarked on a 4-hour trek to Bulan-bulan Elementary School, navigating through rain, mud, and a challenging terrain, all to personally meet the students and teachers.
His mission? To share his invention, the Make-roscope—a keychain microscope that brings the wonders of science closer to young minds. Despite the exhausting journey and the tough conditions, Engr. De Leon's enthusiasm has been inspired by the teachers at this school, thus never wavered. Their dedication to inspire these students was palpable, as they demonstrated the power of his innovation, showcasing the importance of science even in the most remote areas.
Mentoring Program for Teachers
Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) and De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) have launched a 3-year training program aimed at empowering junior high school science teachers to overcome challenges in teaching multiple branches of science, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The program, held in July 2024 at De La Salle University Dasmarinas, brought together 30 master and senior-ranked teachers from SBFI’s classroom beneficiary high schools. It introduced innovative teaching tools like the Make-roscope, a portable keychain microscope, and emphasized hands-on experiments and model lesson planning. By incorporating 21st-century skills and alternative teaching strategies, the initiative seeks to enhance science education, making it more accessible and engaging for students across the Philippines.
Aghamon - Extension
Activity
Science is for all, and discoveries are not just limited to laboratories—just like how learning is not confined to the four walls of a classroom.
Last May 30, 2024, we were given a chance to speak about the Make-roscope and share our explorations in the microscopic world with Cabibihan Elementary School pupils during the Aghamon Extension Activity held last May in Romblon, in partnership with the faculty and students of the RSU-College of Education. Through a demonstration of our simple educational tool, we were able to teach the pupils how to appreciate science in their daily lives.
UP BIOCHEMISTRY SOCETY
One of our goals is to not only make education tools more affordable but also more accessible.
To further our cause and reach more beneficiaries around the country, we also partner with university organizations whose goals are aligned with ours. Last June, we donated Make-roscopes to UP Biochemistry Society, which they distributed to children from Nayon ng Kabataan during their outreach program last June 30, 2024.
2023
MGC NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Curiosity should be cultivated, not curtailed.
Last December 2023, we welcomed first graders of MGC New Life Christian Academy to the world of invention and demonstrated the powers of the Make-roscope. As their little eyes widened in fascination, our hopes went higher—eagerly wishing that our simple invention would inspire their young minds to dream big for the future.
Divine Light Academy Bacoor
Light is crucial in microscopes for illuminating details in a specimen, just like what knowledge does to enlighten us about our lives.
In September 2023, we spread the light and gave back to our alma mater Divine Light Academy through the distribution of Make-roscope Lab Kits to almost 500 Divinians during the celebration of their Science Week, in collaboration with DLA Bacoor City Cavite teachers, admin, and staff. It was a priceless feeling to see how the students’ faces lit up in curiosity and amazement as they did their own exploration during our demonstration.
In October 2023, this activity, and the journey of the Make-roscope were featured in an I-Witness documentary titled “Imbento ‘Yan”—shedding light on our humble beginnings and progress.
Las Pinas City National Science High School
It is our dream to distribute Make-roscopes to public schools all over the country.
That dream of ours is slowly becoming within our reach. In August 2023, we donated one set of Make-roscope Classroom Kit that includes 25 keychain microscopes, 25 blank slides, and 50 prepared specimens to Las Pinas City
National High School.
2022
ROTARACT EON AWARDS 2022
Science is and always will be for the people.
In full commitment to always put service above ourselves, we partnered with the Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers (RAC SFDM MA) and distributed 100 sets of Make-roscopes to science teachers and students of Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. High School in Quezon City last September 2022.
Project SciNing
There is truly nothing like learning through experience. With the Make-roscope in your hand, the experience becomes more immersive and engaging.
In November 2022, we went on an exploration trip with senior high school students in Basilan as a part of DOST-TAPI’s Invent School Program under Project SciNing. Armed with their own Make-roscope Laboratory Kits, the students examined specimens that they collected by themselves from the beach and the forest. Like real science explorers, the students were more than happy to share each of their Make-roscope discoveries!
Security Bank Foundation Inc.
One dream can spark a thousand possibilities.
Since our humble beginning in 2021, thousands of Make-roscopes have already been distributed to high school classrooms all over the Philippines. This was made possible by our partnership with the Security Bank Foundation, Inc.—one of the first few organizations that believed in and took a risk in the Make-roscope.
The possibilities are endless, and we are only getting started.
The 2022 Make-roscope Initiative
Here are the groups all over the Philippines that will receive a total of Make-roscopes! Congratulations to everyone and we are eager to see your group's development using the Make-roscope.
James Florence | Batangas State University - Biomedical Students
Giscele | Echague National High School- STEM Club
Jandi | Palawan State University- Young Biologists Association
Kenneth Lloyd | Mindanao State University General Santos City- Pre-Medical Society
Marvin | Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa- Society of Biology Students
Christine Pauline | Ateneo de Naga University- Ateneo de Naga Biology Majors (ANBIOM)
Dhana Kaye | Rizal Technological University - Organization of Biotechnology Students
Maria Cyril | Our Lady of Fatima University Antipolo Campus - Academic Research Team (Medical Technology)
Bill Angelo | Bicol University -Bicol University Science Alliance Club (BUSAC)
Alfredo | University of Northern Philippines - Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students
Almerah | Mindanao State University Marawi - SOCIETY OF LIFE SCIENCES STUDENTS
Why?
The pandemic prevents students from attending in-person classes, especially medical and health students. With labs closed, learning is now through eBooks, videos, and simulations. Because of this, important lab activities like using a microscope can't be done at home, as microscopes are too expensive. Future health professionals need other tools to study microscopy.
The Make-roscope Initiative began in 2021 with a simple, inspiring question: What if we could provide 1000 keychain microscopes to students across the Philippines? Starting with just a prototype, a smartphone, and an onion skin, we dreamed of making microscopic exploration accessible to all. The Make-roscope, which attaches to a smartphone or tablet’s front camera to magnify samples 40-200 times, was shared on TikTok under the username jeremake. To our amazement, it garnered 80,000 views and overwhelming support.
The community’s enthusiasm and suggestions, such as seeking funding from government agencies like DOST, fueled our determination. Through TikTok's reach, we found vital partners like the UST Microbiology Society and Security Bank Foundation. The UST Microbiology Society validated our innovation, confirming its potential as a valuable tool in microbiology. Security Bank Foundation embraced the Make-roscope for Bataan National High School, aiming to inspire grade 6 students in the field of microscopy.
Our perseverance paid off when DOST-TAPI provided the much-needed funding. We quickly called for applications from schools and universities, focusing on medical and health-related courses. We were thrilled to distribute 1000 Make-roscopes to 11 diverse groups, including medical technology, pre-med, biology, biomedical, and senior high school students.
By March 2022, every group had their Make-roscope Kits. We celebrated their progress and continue to gather feedback to refine our product. The Make-roscope Initiative has transformed a simple idea into a powerful tool, empowering the next generation of scientists and health professionals across the Philippines.
Our Story
Impact
The Make-roscope Initiative proudly showcases the achievements of the Academic Research Team from Our Lady of Fatima University, Antipolo Campus, led by Professor Dalusong. They provided keychain microscopes to 3rd and 4th-year students for their research and thesis projects. Juliana, a 3rd-year student researching the “Effectiveness of potato dextrose agar infused with powdered carton in promoting the growth of Aspergillus niger,” shared how the Make-roscope has deepened her understanding of her study, even from miles away from their university without access to laboratories.
Students from the PUP Society of Biology expressed their concerns about online simulations falling short of real-life experiences. One student shared, "With the Make-roscope, we can now explore organisms that are invisible to the naked eye." Another student's comment touched our hearts: "I hope my discoveries will someday help my community."
Affordability is a key strength of the Make-roscope. At just 199 pesos, it is accessible compared to standard light compound microscopes that cost between 5,000-7,000 pesos. This affordability allows students and young researchers from all backgrounds to explore microscopic worlds. Users are often amazed by how easily they can observe microorganisms such as epithelial cells, nematodes, ticks, and even live sperm cells directly from their smartphones.
It was heartwarming to see students from Echague National High School in Isabela, a public school, each with their own Make-roscope. They explored plant and animal cells from the comfort of their homes. Every student in the science club, led by Ms. Giscele, received a Make-roscope, unlike the shared microscopes at school.
A group from Bicol University Science Alliance Club, composed of future science educators studying Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in science, donated their Make-roscopes to their science laboratory as alternatives to limited microscopes. They also plan to use the Make-roscope in their teaching, especially for microscopy lessons.
The Make-roscope Initiative continues to inspire and empower students and educators, making scientific exploration accessible and exciting for everyone.
Group Progress Videos
Successful groups showcase the use of Make-roscopes on their respective fields. Witness as they unlock the full potential of the keychain microscopes and its application to affordable microscopy!
Group Progress Videos
Make-roscope progress video -- Y.B.A - Young Biologist Association
Echague National High School Makeroscope
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
MSUGSC - PMS - Mindanao State University Pre-medical Society
Partner Groups
