by Nikki D. Dela Cruz, RN, MPH and Maria Francesca P. Retomarta, RN
NSC-CL Energizes Awareness
The Newborn Screening Center-Central Luzon (NSC-CL), celebrated the National Newborn Screening Week with diverse activities such as social media campaigns, fan sign rallies, and informative discussions.
The Center conducted an e-NBS Quiz on October 2, 2025 that featured hourly quiz questions on ENBS with the top 15 scorers awarded PHP 500 each. Other key events included participation in the Central Luzon NBS Run organized with the DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development and the 23rd NBS Convention that fostered community participation and professional development.
Multidisciplinary Clinic and Reunion of Saved Babies for Patients with Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) in Region 3
The Central Luzon Center for Health Development and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) hosted the region’s first-ever Multidisciplinary Clinic (MDC) and Reunion of Saved Babies (ROSB) for patients with Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) at the JBLMGH Auditorium on Oct 20, 2025.
The activity engaged 35 IEM patients and their families, aiming to provide comprehensive metabolic follow-up, subspecialty care, and dietary planning in a coordinated setting. Key hospital and regional health officials provided support for the initiative, which brought together teams from various Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics (NBSCCs) across Region 3. The program also included lectures and orientation on the No Balance Billing (NBB) and Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policies to ensure accessible healthcare and a discussion on the impact of screen-based media use on child development.
Simultaneous multidisciplinary activities were conducted by a large team of specialists, including clinical geneticists, pediatric neurologists, general pediatricians, and expert dietitians. This multi-disciplinary approach facilitated management plans through clinics focusing on genetics and metabolic care, pediatric neurology, general pediatrics, genetic counseling, and dietary assessment. Furthermore, the NBSCC teams provided essential services, including social service counseling, blood sample collection for monitoring, and dispensing medical food, supplements, and medicines to parents.
The event concluded with recognition awards for patients who demonstrated commitment to their prescribed management plans.
