by Mariel Franceska M. Magat
The Department of Health – Center for Health Development Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD CAR) conducted a three-day Newborn Screening Training for new health service providers on August 6–8, 2025, at the Prince Plaza Hotel, Baguio City.
The program opened with the welcome remarks from Dr. Virginia L. Narciso, licensing officer and chief of the Local Health Support Division of DOH-CHD CAR, who underscored the importance of Republic Act No. 9288 in safeguarding the health of Filipino newborns through early detection and timely intervention of congenital conditions.
Key sessions included a comprehensive overview of the Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) panel by Dr. Mary Erika V. Orteza, NBS coordinator of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), and a lecture on the nutritional management of G6PD Deficiency by Ms. Dominga Dawe. In the afternoon, resource speakers from the Newborn Screening Center – Central Luzon (NSC-CL) delivered lectures: Dr. Crislyn S. Samia, short-term follow-up head, on follow-up processes and clinic status; and Ms. Mariel Franceska M. Magat, Program Development Officer I, on overview of the NSC-CL’s administrative mechanics. The first day concluded with a return demonstration of proper NBS sample collection, led by Ms. Nikki D. Dela Cruz, Program Development Officer III.
On the second day, Ms. Dela Cruz presented the proper recording and reporting procedures for the NBS program, followed by the BGHMC personnel’s update on long-term follow-up clinics. Participants then began the practicum on specimen collection at the BGHMC, which continued through the third day. The hands-on sessions allowed them to practice techniques for blood sample collection under the close supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.
With this training, the DOH-CHD CAR reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the NBS Program in the region. By the end of the course, the participants had gained practical skills in sample collection, a more profound understanding of program processes, and greater awareness of both short-term and long-term follow-ups. These outcomes aim to empower health service providers to deliver timely and effective newborn care across the Cordillera.
