by Thricia Bless Ventura and Vanessa Mabalo
The Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic (NBSCC) of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) held its Reunion of Saved Babies (ROSB) for the Second District of Ilocos Sur on March 13, 2025, at the Governor Titong Singson Memorial Auditorium in Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur.
The event gathered patients and families under the care of the NBSCC to provide free consultations with pediatric subspecialists, medications, laboratory workups, and gift-giving activities. Widely recognized as one of the best practices of NBSCC Region 1, the ROSB brings essential services closer to its patients, making healthcare more accessible and convenient, especially for patients from remote communities. This program was made possible with the strong support of the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-Ilocos CHD) and the host facility, the ITRMC.
The program formally opened with Dr. Sheila A. Fe, head of the ITRMC Pediatrics Department, welcoming the attendees. Messages of support followed from Dr. Trina Tabbooga-Talaga, provincial health officer of Ilocos Sur, and Engr. John Foz, provincial health team leader, who both reaffirmed the province’s commitment to helping patients access continued healthcare. Dr. Rheuel Bobis, MPM, head of the Disease Prevention and Control Section of DOH-Ilocos CHD, also delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in sustaining newborn health initiatives.
The morning session featured health awareness lectures aimed at empowering parents and caregivers. Dr. Joanne Rodrigues, a dentist from ITRMC, discussed proper oral hygiene techniques. Pediatric endocrinologists Dr. Alma R. Estrada, Dr. Karla C. Albano-Antiporda, and Dr. Sharon Gawigawen addressed frequently asked questions on congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Meanwhile, ITRMC’s pediatric hematologist-oncologists Dr. Katrina Rose Ortega and Dr. Maria Lydia Ramirez gave a talk on thalassemia and proper nutrition for affected patients.
After the lectures, simultaneous multispecialty clinics were held, including endocrinology, hematology, ophthalmology, neuro-developmental, and nutrition clinics, along with oral prophylaxis services. The event served 28 thalassemia patients, 20 congenital hypothyroidism patients, and 2 congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients. Notably, the ROSB extended its services beyond the province, assisting four patients from Abra through collaboration with the NBSCC of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
The afternoon continued with more educational sessions. Dr. Lorenz Jacob Mangahas from the ITRMC’s Ophthalmology
Department spoke about eye care for children, while Dr. Leanith Agustin-Haya, a neuro-developmental pediatrician from BGHMC, highlighted the developmental red flags parents should watch for. Maria Teresa Sison, medical social worker, addressed the issue of child neglect, and Estrella Pulido from the ITRMC Nursing Department shared information about available livelihood programs for families.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Ivy Rose Valdez-Acosta, FPPS, head of NBSCC ITRMC, who extended her heartfelt gratitude to the DOH-Ilocos CHD, the participating health professionals, and the local government units that provided transportation for families. She also recognized the continuous support from the NBSCCs of MMMH&MC, R1MC, and BGHMC, making the event a successful example of collaboration for patient-centered care.
