by Novelyn C. Lacuanan and Marry Jean S. Tomo
The Cagayan Valley Provincial Newborn Screening Enterprise, led by the DOH – Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development in partnership with the Cagayan Provincial Health Office and the Rural Health Unit of Santa Ana, continues its mission to safeguard newborn health across the region. On October 24, 2025, the Intensified Newborn Screening (NBS) Program Caravan visited Barangay Kapanikian, Sta. Ana, reaching over 65 community members under the theme “Purok Agkaykaysa” (Unity in the Community).
The caravan featured an intensified information and education campaign that equipped parents and caregivers with essential knowledge on newborn health while fostering collaboration among local health partners. The activity saw the active participation of eight barangay officials and 12 indigenous mothers, five indigenous fathers, eight indigenous children from the Agta community, three non-indigenous pregnant women, four non-indigenous mothers, and eight non-indigenous children. Barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars helped extend accurate information to all households, ensuring the program’s reach in both indigenous and non-indigenous families.
