by Ronald A. Aguilar
The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, in partnership with the Newborn Screening Center – Mindanao (NSC-M), and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC), conducted an in-house Newborn Screening (NBS) training for the birthing clinic personnel and midwifery instructors of the North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU). The two-day training was held on November 27 -28, 2025 at the NEMSU administration building in Tandag City.
In his message, NEMSU President Nemesio G. Loayon expressed gratitude to the DOH CHD–Caraga for granting the university’s request to hold a NBS training for their clinicians and selected staff. He emphasized that the training would help in ensuring timely and quality newborn care services at the NEMSU’s birthing facility that is in line with NEMSU’s core values for service and excellence.
Also present during the activity were NEMSU OIC Campus Director, Dr. Florisito D. Calub; Surigao del Sur Provincial Health Officer Dr. Gerard A. Montesclaros; and NBS Coordinator Emerica L. Perez. ASTMMC NBS Coordinator Edna Grace Ferrer; NSC-M PDO Ronald C. Aguilar; DOH CHD-Caraga PDO Daniel Montilla; and Long-term Follow-up Nurse Armie Tagud served as resource persons and training coordinators. Two (2) participants from a private newborn screening facility in the area also joined and benefited from the training.
The midwifery instructors of the NEMSU actively participated in the discussions, reinforcing the integration of NBS concepts into clinical teaching and practicum activities. The training also included a two-day exposure at the ASTMMC for the heel-prick method practicum and to gain insights into the hospital’s best practices in the NBS program implementation.
Overall, the NEMSU’s initiative is a good example of strengthened collaboration between healthcare facilities and the academic community in forging future NBS program advocates and contributes to the improvement of NBS coverage in the region.
