by Anthony James Almazan
The Newborn Screening Center – Northern Luzon (NSC-NL) achieved a historic milestone in global healthcare excellence by clinching the Gold Award for its entry, “Amplifying Hope: Leadership In Scaling Newborn Screening Success Through the NBS Regional Communication Plan” at the 48th International Hospital Federation World Hospital Congress held in Geneva, Switzerland from November 10–13, 2025.
The global recognition affirms the Center’s capacity to implement world-class public health strategies that effectively bridge the gap between high-level policy and grassroots community action.
The Regional Communication Plan was recognized for its holistic and multi-sectoral approach to addressing the unique geographical challenges of Northern Luzon. Through the synergistic efforts from all the Newborn Screening Program partners in Northern Luzon—particularly, the DOH Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Centers for Health Development—the initiative moved far beyond traditional awareness campaigns by institutionalizing advocacy at the local level.
This included securing the commitment of local government units (LGUs) to pass vital ordinances supporting the implementation of newborn screening and sustainable funding. At the same time, the plan empowered the community workforce through comprehensive capacity-building programs for barangay health workers (BHWs) and midwives. The coordinated efforts ensured that even families in the remote areas fully understood the life-saving importance of newborn screening.
Beyond the Gold Award, the NSC-NL delegation further demonstrated its commitment to scientific rigor and holistic quality improvement through three additional presentations that drew significant interest. The presentation of Mr. Anthony James F. Almazan, program manager of NSC-NL, entitled
“Unmasking the Unseen: Redefining the NBS Unsatisfactory Sample Return Rate Assessment,” highlighted how data-driven feedback loops were used to identify trends and correct gaps in sample collection practices.
Complementing this technical initiative was a poster presentation by Ms. Mary Jane Palacay, administrative officer of NSC-NL, entitled “Quality Checking of NBS Samples: A Training Intervention to Minimize Pre-analytical Errors in the Northern Philippines.” The presentation underscored that accurate diagnosis begins with the integrity of the sample at the collection site.
Completing the showcase was the poster presentation by Dr. Judy Gertrudis Pipo-Deveza, follow-up head of the NBSCC-MMMHMC, titled “Beyond Screening: Encompassing and Holistic Patient Care through NBS Continuity Clinic.” This clinic ensures that confirmed cases receive seamless long-term management, nutritional support, and genetic counseling, effectively reducing the risks associated with the fragmented healthcare system.
The recognitions in the Geneva congress that brought together healthcare institutions from over 80 countries are a testament to the power of collective action in Filipino healthcare. It demonstrates that visionary leadership, when anchored in strong partnerships, can overcome even the most complex barriers. Inspired by this international recognition, the NSC-NL— its supportive host, the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, and its dedicated network of partners throughout Regions 1 and 2—renewed its pledge to champion health equity and ensure that every Filipino newborn is given the best possible start in life.
