by DOH-CHD CALABARZON
The Department of Health’s Newborn Screening (NBS) and Newborn Hearing Screening (NBHS) Program strengthened its commitment to improving newborn health services in the CALABARZON region through a three-day alignment meeting held from February 18 to 20, 2026.
Gathering provincial and city coordinators from across the region, the activity served as a platform to align strategies, share latest program updates, and strengthen local implementation of newborn screening services. The meeting aimed to equip coordinators with updated technical knowledge, accurate coverage data, and enhanced operational competencies to ensure that every newborn has access to timely and quality screening services.
Health officials emphasized the critical role of newborn screening in preventing disability and reducing infant mortality through early detection and intervention. By reinforcing the capabilities of local implementers, the Department of Health seeks to improve the accessibility and efficiency of newborn services throughout CALABARZON.
During the sessions, Dr. Monica Stephanie Moreno and Dr. Mark Nicholas Santos presented key updates and strategic directions for the Newborn Hearing Screening Program. Their discussions highlighted current performance targets, emerging priorities, and action areas designed to strengthen early detection and intervention efforts for hearing impairment among newborns.
The meeting also focused on policy development and systems strengthening through a specialized workshop facilitated by experts from the University of the Philippines Manila Department of Behavioral Sciences. Led by Dr. Calvin de los Reyes, Prof. Laufred I. Hernandez, Dr. Reynaldo Imperial, and Prof. Marilyn Crisostomo, the workshop guided participants in crafting and refining local ordinances and policies that will support stronger implementation of NBS and NBHS programs in their respective provinces and cities.
A major outcome of the gathering was the development of a comprehensive three-year strategic framework for 2026 to 2028 under the theme, “Born Protected: CALABARZON’s Blueprint for Universal Newborn Protection.”
The framework outlines a shared vision and coordinated roadmap aimed at ensuring that every child in the region is protected from birth through strengthened health systems, inclusive policies, responsive services, and empowered communities. It also establishes measurable targets and collaborative actions to improve newborn screening coverage and long-term program sustainability.
Grounded in the principles of equity, resilience, and accountability, the blueprint aligns regional priorities with national and global child protection standards. Officials said the initiative will foster stronger multi-sectoral collaboration and create sustainable, long-term impact toward achieving universal newborn protection across CALABARZON.
At the meeting’s end, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing newborn health programs and strengthening partnerships among local governments, health institutions, and communities.
