by Family Health Cluster- Newborn Care Program CHD 12
The Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOCCSKSARGEN, led by Newborn Care Program Manager Rohainnah M. Mua, RN, MPA , conducted a Multidisciplinary Clinic Consultation for confirmed positive Newborn Screening (NBS) patients on November 20, 2025 at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City.
The landmark activity aimed to assess the health status of confirmed positive patients through a multidisciplinary approach, ensure the delivery of appropriate treatment and management, and provide a learning venue for physicians and health workers to gain a deeper appreciation of the clinical profile of newborns diagnosed through newborn screening.
A total of 31 confirmed NBS-positive patients received holistic care, including metabolic follow-up consultations, subspecialty assessments, dietary planning, and family engagement and support. Diagnoses included Congenital Hypothyroidism, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Hemoglobin E Disease, Glutaric Acidemia Type I, Phenylketonuria, Alpha Thalassemia (HbH, three-gene deletion), and Carnitine Uptake Defect.
This initiative marked the very first Multidisciplinary Clinic Consultation for SOCCSKSARGEN’s confirmed positive NBS patients, representing a significant milestone in strengthening accessible and coordinated care for individuals with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) in the region. Its successful implementation was made possible through the collaboration of the DOH-CHD SOCCSKSARGEN, NBS Continuity Clinics from Cotabato Regional Medical Center, SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital and Southern Philippines Medical Center and Center for Human Genetics and Services (CHGS) Mindanao.
Specialty consultations were conducted across multiple stations to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each patient. Pediatric endocrinology services were provided by Dr. Eleonor C. Du-Amparado, Dr. Mirasol D. Singote-Ellong, and Dr. Janna Beatriz Marcon. Pediatric hematology consultations were facilitated by Dr. Jeannie B. Ong, Dr. Jianna Magallanes, and Dr. Charlaine Bautista. A gastroenterology assessment was conducted by Dr. Anne Fronda while developmental and behavioral pediatrics services were rendered by Dr. Marie Kathrina C. Lagang-Buenaventura along with Dr. Janine Mudanza and Dr. Charie Anotde.
Pediatric neurology consultations were led by Dr. Gilda D. Fernandez-Agbisit and Dr. Chelo Comia-Durana. ENT assessments were provided by Dr. Chris Robinson Laganao and Dr. Kimberly Ann Leorag, while ophthalmology services were facilitated by Dr. Eduardo Soriano and Dr. Louise Patricia May Angos. Dental services were offered through the DOH-CHD XII by Dr. Arly I. Wines and Jodi Lynn R. Flores.
Rehabilitation interventions were performed by Dr. Hazel Joy M. Jumawan, and Joy C. Villanueva with pediatric genetics consultations led by Dr. Christine Mae S. Avila and Dr. Celenia-Jo S. Cagata. Nutrition and dietary counseling were provided by Jessen T. Masukat, Anthony C. Cuyong, Maxine de Guzman, Rose Anne F. Manuel, Melvin Y. Perocho, and Kristine Grace B. Torres-Hicban. Meanwhile, social services support was facilitated by Melanie R. Cagna-an, Janice Pamplona, Flordeliza J. Sueling-Alta, Rosalyn De Jesus Pamplona. Medication dispensing was handled by Earl A. Granado, and Philip Chard Borantes.
In the afternoon, an orientation on the Philippine Society of Orphan Disorders (PSOD) was conducted for selected IEM mothers by Lovely Miguela of CHGS Mindanao, followed by a post-activity meeting led by the DOH-CHD XII NBS Team in coordination with the NBSCCs-CRMC, SGH, and CHGS Mindanao team.
The activity reinforced the importance of collaborative and multidisciplinary follow-up care for patients with confirmed positive NBS results, ensuring sustained access to specialized management and support services. This integrated approach allowed healthcare professionals to collectively develop coordinated treatment plans, promote adherence, and strengthen the role of families and care providers in the long-term
management of “saved babies” with inborn errors of metabolism.
